‘Urban Instincts’ solo show a resounding success

I’d like to begin this post with a huge, heartfelt thank you. Thank you to everyone who helped to make my first solo exhibition the success it was- thank you to the gallery staff, to everyone who attended the show, and especially to my tireless husband who hung and straightened most of the pieces.

I’m still pinching myself after the incredible experience of my first solo exhibition at New House Art Space, Guildford. Opening night and the weeks that followed have been nothing short of surreal and I couldn’t have asked for a better way to share my work with the world.

Walking into the gallery and seeing four years of my practice brought together in one space for the first time was a moment I’ll never forget. The energy in the room was electric. At one point the gallery was so busy that people could hardly get close to the artwork, and I felt such a huge wave of gratitude for every single person who came out to support me.

The exhibition, titled ‘Urban Instincts’, explored the dynamic relationship between nature and the built environment, chaos and control, instinct and influence. My work is about bringing vibrancy to the world through vivid mixed-media paintings, ceramics, collage and drawings inspired by graffiti and street art. Alongside animal-inspired pieces, I also presented portraits for the very first time- works that blur the boundary between human and animal, the contained and the free. Each piece carried the same question: what wildness lives within our walls… and within ourselves?

Throughout the exhibition I was overwhelmed by the feedback, conversations, and genuine connections people made with my pieces. To know that 10 of my paintings sold at the exhibition is both humbling and exhilarating.

One of my favourite parts of the show was inviting visitors to help title The Red Painting. I set out a bowl for suggestions, and I’ll be unveiling the new, crowd-sourced title soon. It was such a fun way to make the exhibition more interactive and to see how others interpret my work.

Overall, this exhibition has been a 10 out of 10 experience for me- from the joy of seeing my ceramics hung below nets to tie in with the coastal themed area, to the quiet moments later in the evening when the gallery settled and I could truly take it all in.

I’m so grateful to New House Art Space for hosting me, and to everyone who visited, shared kind words, or supported me in any way. This exhibition has given me not only incredible memories but also fresh confidence and excitement for what comes next.

Thank you for being part of this journey- I’m already looking forward to creating and sharing more with you soon.

You can explore the upcoming exhibitions at New House Art Space on their website.