Royal College of Art to the Royal Academy of Arts: Local Artist Goes National
There’s no place like home
At the end of the Metropolitan Line, tucked within Amersham’s rolling hills and leafy neighbourhoods, I create BRIGHT contemporary fine art from my garage studio. Surrounded by the abundant beauty of the Chilterns, I can often be found, sketchbook in hand, roaming the fields and Memorial Gardens of the Old Town. However my journey to full-time artist has taken a few creative loops and turns.
En plein air in Amersham, video by Kate Cullen
Royal College of Art
The story starts, way back when, at the Royal College of Art. After an intriguing interview for a place at the RCA, involving divided opinion about my work and an unforgettable purple outfit, the love it or hate it response to my portfolio won me a place at this prestigious institution. Graduating in 2000 with a Masters in Furniture Design I pursued a career in interior design. Starting out with two part-time jobs, working six days a week, I quickly moved form shop floor sales at Habitat and hand drawing floor plans of Parisian apartments for a Holland Park based interior designer, to a short and impactful stint at the bustling offices of the late David Collins.
From sandwiches to sparkles
Moving from design work for sandwich chain Eat, I got my first big break creating the interior concept for a standalone Paperchase store on the Kings Road. Specifying a resin floor with custom order sparkles, that lasted long after the original store closed, was a fun living legacy to a colourful and varied career.
Designer labels
It was working for design and build firm Peldon Rose, on corporate interiors for brands such as Louis Vuitton and Stella McCartney, that I really established myself as a creative expert in my field. The breadth of design knowledge gained in my 10 year plus career has been brought to my painting work today. Offering a unique and personal approach to mixed media art.
“I see myself as a collector and creator of joyful colours, curious compositions and warm words drawn together with a BRIGHT point of view. ”
Country living
After becoming a mama I left the hustle and bustle of London to explore the relative quiet of the Chiltern Hills with my new family. Quickly realising my creative soul was surrounded by inspiration just outside the garden gate, I picked up my paintbrushes and started to paint. Becoming a mother offered an opportunity to reflect on the direction I wanted for my creative life. It was a time of readjustment and questioning, combined with a new found spaciousness that allowed my artistic focus to flourish.
Summer Exhibition
Over the subsequent years I have worked hard to established myself within the local creative community. The achievements of exhibiting at Stowe National Trust, Waddesdon Manor and winning the Mixed Media category at the Bucks Art Weeks Exhibition 2022, have paved the way to launching my work on a national level. The recognition of this hard work and determination has come to fruition with an acceptance letter from the Royal Academy of Arts to say my painting, Sleeping Satellite, has been selected for the Summer Exhibition 2023.
Varnishing Day
The curious conclusion to this story came when visiting the Royal Academy on Varnishing day. It was the stuff of dreams, beginning with a gathering in the Burlington House courtyard. A procession of clergy and artists, lead by a steel band and waved on by well wishers, walked along Piccadilly to the tranquility of St James’ Church. There Reverend Dr Ayla Lepine gave a moving sermon dedicated to art, artists and connection, a choir sang, poems were read and the merry band moved back to the RA
Within the gallery rooms a frenzy of excited artists spread every which way hunting for their work. Clutching a glass of something fun, it was like a marvellous game of hide and seek. For me the hunt was short. Seeing a flash of foliage through the throng, I picked the room with the Key Lime yellow on the wall and there is was, my Sleeping Satellite. Gallery VI, where my painting hangs along side so many accomplished artists work, has been beautifully curated by Clare Woods RA. The gratitude I feel for being part of this fresh and appealing room is more than I could ever put into words. It is a complete dream come true.
The really curious part of all this excitement is that placed on the floor, just underneath my painting, is a small resin chair. The chair is called Little Albert and is designed by Ron Arad. It just so happens that Ron was the head of department for the master degree course I took at the Royal College of Art. We didn’t always see eye to eye, however I know he was an influential force in my life that has made me determined to achieve and accomplish my dreams.
Full circle
Having come full circle from the early days at the RCA to this milestone moment at the RA my work continues to delight and divide audiences. This is part and parcel of the desire to make art. It is personal, yet invites conversation and will ultimately only move the right person at the time. My work is made for me. If it speaks to you as well then I welcome you to join me on this journey, for walking a path together is a wonderful thing.
“Only Connect”
Cherry on top
The postscript to this little tale is that hot on the heals of being accepted into the Summer Exhibition I received a rather wonderful phone call from the RA. A delightful lady asked if I’d like to have my painting photographed and popped onto a postcard to be sold in their shop. You could have knocked me over with a feather! “Yes” was the resounding answer and true to her word they have been designed, printed and are available for sale in both the RA gallery and their online shop.
Would you like to see the collection that Sleeping Satellite is part of?
The bold botanical Pots & Plates collection is a celebration of reaching the end of dark winter months with the early arrival of spring hyacinths.