Stepping out - submitting one of my painting's to an exhibition

I submitted my canvas By your side, Always, to Arts Hub 47 in Lark Lane, Liverpool for their upcoming exhibition in September called Outside Looking In, Inside Looking Out'.

I found out that I have been accepted!

I am still pinching myself a little, this is the first piece I have ever put forward.

There is a story behind this painting - isn't there always?!!

By your side, Always

Materials used: Mixed Media: tissue papers, stamps, acrylics, wax pencils, watercolours, acrylic pens and illustration.

The story

Close friendships have stories to tell.  

What we sometimes see from the outside is incorrect and sometimes what we feel from the inside is incorrect.  

Friendships have many stories to tell.

This painting was inspired by a long time friend of mine.  

We lived in the same road, just houses away from each other and from a young age, we would spend hours riding our bikes, building tents in the garden and singing with gusto.  

As we got older, we formed a duo and performed at concerts around our community.

Me on guitar and her on banjo.

She moved to another country when she was 21 and before she went, she wrote me a wonderful letter, which I still hold close to me nearly 20 years later, a photocopy of parts of the letter are included in the painting.    

In this letter she told me how she truly felt about our friendship.

Writing from the heart, she wrote:-

"I am incredibly lucky to have you as a friend.  You always look forwards and never backwards and tackle new things and I know you can do whatever you set your mind to in your life. It just takes time, so, practice.  You've got what it takes, so never doubt your own abilities.” 

This painting is my way of honouring our friendship... I know it's a small step but I truly feel very proud to be her friend and to have known her for over 40 years (yikes!)

The exhibition starts on September 5th so if you are near the Liverpool area, why not pop down to Lark Lane, which in its own right is a gorgeous little bohemian street.  Maybe I'll see you there!

My Muse Mantra Deck are on sale at Arts Hub 47 and a selection of Muse Mantra Greeting Cards and Illustration Prints.