Notes from July

The exhibition opened on the 18th of July, and in the lead up, despite everyone asking me, I wasn’t stressed. Long to-do list in hand, yes. Hyper-aware of every detail, yes. But not stressed. I think I have to pat myself on the back for this, I was prepared and had everything in hand. Well except for getting carried away and not having enough of a particular size frame… whoops.

As always, my family showed up! Poster distribution and ‘word-spreading’, and then the evening before for hanging! Rosarie and Martin in Ebzery’s turned the space into something unique. Their addition of picture rails and removal of usual café furniture made the space work. I didn’t expect to have 25 pieces hanging, but it happened without any issue. There’s something deeply grounding about having people who just get stuck in without fuss.

When the doors opened that evening, I wasn’t prepared for how full it would all feel. My face actually hurt from smiling. That hasn’t happened since our wedding day nearly twenty years ago. It was surreal, standing there surrounded by my work, with people arriving in waves. People who’d travelled hours just to show up, came for the weekend to experience the event. I still don’t have the words.

The amazing Jean McNamara opened the night with a few words that completely floored me. I felt seen. She captured things about the work and about me that I hadn’t found language for yet. It set the tone in a way I’ll never forget.

All through the evening, I kept hearing stories and reactions. People connected. Some were emotional, some curious, some just stood and stared for ages, and everyone seemed to have a really enjoyable evening. It felt like something had landed. Maybe the work is doing what I hoped it could do.

Then there were sales. Real, unexpected, soul-lifting purchases. That part still feels a bit dreamlike - I never wanted anyone to feel ‘obligated to purchase’, my aim was to bring everyone in to experience my work and have a lovely time.

The venue was always non-traditional for an exhibition, but it turned out to be exactly right. Everyone commented on it. How intimate and charming it felt. How different it was. It shaped the experience more than I’d expected. The staff, the music, I think I can say I lucked out!

Then, just as I was catching my breath, Monday brought the news: Shortlisted by the Royal Ulster Academy of Art. I had to read it multiple times to believe it. I spent the day in a trance, but it was one of clarity and peacefulness. Reading that simple statement, seeing the tick beside my work; this is happening, this is real, and this is right! That kind of recognition wasn’t on my radar last week when I was full of imposter syndrome, never mind when I stepped into being the artist I am only a few months ago!

The exhibition runs until August 5th. An artwork of mine is off to Belfast for final adjudicating by the RUA. I still can’t quite believe it’s real.

But it is.