Five things that define me

A handful of things that make me tick...

One - poetry

Poetry in all shapes and forms, traditional or modern, poetry in our everyday surroundings found in secret places, in graffiti, signs, novels, music, art. Written in publications, on napkins, the backs of receipts or post cards.

I love poetry written in verse, following rules; but also poetry that isn’t technically written in poems. Poetic statements; emotive expressions. Poetic dancing, poetic music, poetic paintings.

Poetry that makes you feel, wonder, heal, learn and grow. Poetry that shapes the way you live your life.

My passion for poetry probably arose when I first read Rupi Kaur’s ‘Milk and Honey’. I have always loved literature, and Shakespeare’s way with words definitely opened my eyes to the power of writing. However Kaur’s mixture of minimalist writing and longer poems gave me goosebumps. Simple words, just phrases seemed to make so much sense to me. I fell in love with the beauty in their connection and meaning.

Since then I have been conscious of the power of writing, and the power of poetry - that can be found everywhere around us. In the smallest of confessions written on discarded papers and the most bold expressions of epic verse.

Two - drawing

I use drawing as a form of meditation. I have slowly been crawling through the 30 days of Inktober and after sitting down and focusing for half an hour I find I have already forgotten everything else I was thinking about.

And even if I create a drawing that I don’t think is any good, at least I have drawn. And gone through the process of focusing my mind on something other than the day and the pressures I might be feeling.

A selection of drawings. My Inktober drawings are featured in my blog post about Inktober.

Three - galleries and museums

I love being in creative spaces. Looking at old and new work. Seeing how different people view the world and create. And seeing new visions to inspire me and have an impact of my work. I love learning and exploring new things. I love thinking about the past and exploring historical places. So, I love visiting galleries and museums.

My favourite gallery is the Royal Academy of Arts. I love the size and experience of their exhibitions, that are always vast explorations of artists work.

I also love Compton Verney, an estate (local to me) with large gardens designed by Capability Brown, with a grandiose mansion, housing art exhibitions and historical collections. The exhibitions are always interesting. Whether or not it is something I am initially drawn to, I always find something inspiring and interesting to me that impacts my work. I have seen many exhibitions there, like Lost Words (illustrated poetry about nature) and the the Marvellous Mechanical Museum (a selection of mechanical sculptures and designs).

Four - music

I don‘t know what I would do without music. It is poetry in song form - whether its classical, alternative rock or pop music.

I love classical music, whether its strings and piano or orchestral masterpieces to calm and soothe my background. I also love lyrical music to inspire my thoughts. To explore language and to story-tell in a new way. Or just to listen to, to boost my mood and my energy.

Five - family

I haven’t always loved living at home. And I could happily live on my own or away with friends. But I value my family in a new way now I am older. I have grown a lot over the past couple years and I have new perspectives and understandings.

My family are always here, always around, and I like having that constant base and background in my life. They are also creative too, so can support me and help give me direction when I need a little boost.