As we stand at the threshold of a new year, there’s an undeniable pull to look both backwards and forwards—to measure what we’ve achieved and envision what lies ahead. For me, this moment carries profound significance as I prepare to embark on a new chapter: stepping into life as a full-time artist. The New Year is not only a time for reflection but also a reminder of the void—that vast, intimidating unknown that exists in life and, especially, in art.
I’ve long been fascinated by the concept of the void. It represents the spaces between certainty and chaos, the uncharted territories of emotion and thought. But now, as I take this leap into a life fully dedicated to my passion, the void takes on an even more personal meaning. It is the space where dreams are born, and fears take root. It’s the uncertainty of starting over, taking risks, and trusting myself to navigate without a map.
Facing the Fear of the Unknown
Choosing to pursue art full-time feels like stepping into a void—an expanse of questions without answers. Will I succeed? Can I sustain myself? What will happen if I fail? These fears are universal to anyone embarking on a new journey, but as an artist, they feel amplified. Art is deeply personal, and dedicating your life to it means laying yourself bare, risking not just professional failure but a kind of existential one.
Yet, I’ve come to realize that the void is not the enemy. It is, in fact, the birthplace of creativity. To embrace the unknown is to give myself permission to experiment, to make mistakes, and to grow. The fear never fully disappears, but it evolves into something manageable, even motivating. Each blank canvas is a microcosm of this experience: an intimidating emptiness that holds infinite possibilities.
The Void as Inspiration
In my work, I’ve always been drawn to the interplay between form and emptiness, using expressive mark-making and layers of colour to navigate the tension between presence and absence. Influenced by my background in medical imaging, I’ve often explored the hidden structures that support the visible world. This fascination with what lies beneath the surface feels deeply tied to my journey as an artist. The void isn’t just a metaphor for fear; it’s also a symbol of potential, a reminder that what we cannot see or predict may hold the greatest treasures.
A New Year, A New Embrace
As I stand on the cusp of this new life, I’m reminded of why I chose this path. Becoming a full-time artist is not a destination but an ongoing process of discovery. The void is always present, but it no longer paralyses me. Instead, it invites me to step forward, to create, and to trust in the unknown.
If there’s one message I’d like to share as we begin this year, it’s this: the void is not something to fear but to embrace. It is where we find our courage, our creativity, and our truest selves. Whether you’re an artist, a dreamer, or simply someone looking to make a change, I encourage you to step into your own void this year. You might be surprised by what you discover.
If you have been following this journey, you know that I usually select a word of the year that will guide and inspire my actions. Every year, this word had marked my every movement, for better or worst. So this year, instead of choosing a word as I usually do, I will choose a phrase - because I also gotta walk the talk, right?
Dance with the void.
Wish me luck and watch the space!
