Exhibiting at my Art Degree Show

The anticipation of my art degree show was an experience unlike any other. It felt like waiting for the brisk autumn air to chill to winter, a kind of air of transition filled with potential and possibilities. Months of hard work, creativity, and countless sleepless nights culminated in a single event where I had the chance to showcase my artistic journey. The entire process was not just about presenting my work; it was about revealing a part of myself to the world and engaging with an audience that I hoped would connect with my vision. Leading up to the show, I was engulfed in a storm of emotions. Excitement, anxiety, and a sprinkle of self-doubt danced within me. I revisited my sketches, scrutinized my paintings, and adjusted the details in my installations meticulously. Each piece I planned to display was not just an artwork; it represented a piece of my soul, my thoughts, and my evolution as an artist. I remember the late afternoons and nights spent in the studio and home, enveloped in deep focus, with only the sound of my brush strokes and the faint hum of music to accompany my reflections. I would be working away whilst the children were sleeping. Trying to squeeze in between my dental job, being a mother and being an artist. Collaboration with my peers also played a significant role in the lead-up to the exhibition. We spent hours brainstorming themes and how to present our works cohesively, while also carving out distinct identities for each of us. There were moments of tension—creative differences that naturally arose—but ultimately, they brought us closer. It became a shared adventure, and I cherished the laughs and late-night conversations, where we envisioned the grand reveal that would soon unfold. When we weren’t discussing logistics, we were sharing our vulnerabilities, exploring our motivations behind our art. Those preliminary discussions fueled the communal spirit as we all strived for success, not just as individuals but as a cohort. As the day approached, I developed a deep appreciation for the importance of presentation. I wanted to transform the gallery space into an immersive experience that could engage visitors, drawing them into my artistic narrative. I wrapped my pieces in meaning; every color, texture, and form meticulously chosen to communicate the underlying themes of identity and belonging. The struggle of presenting myself as an artist in a world that often presses for conformity became evident in my work. I had started with a notion of what I thought art should be, but as my degree progressed, I learned to embrace the chaotic beauty of imperfection and vulnerability. On the day of the degree show, the gallery transformed into a bustling hub of excitement and anticipation. Friends, family, and strangers filled the space, wandering through the collection of works that represented years of dedication and exploration. The air was palpable with enthusiasm, and I couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed. I stood by my installation, my stationery and book collection range, which symbolized my journey through uncertainty and self-discovery. There, I discussed my intentions with visitors who wanted to understand the stories behind each piece. Listening to their reactions, their interpretations, gave me a sense of validation and fulfillment I hadn’t anticipated. The feedback I received was incredibly diverse and encouraging. Some viewers resonated deeply with the themes of struggle and conflict in my work, while others found beauty in the subtle details. Hearing their reflections made me appreciate the subjective nature of art, its power to evoke different emotions and responses. There was a particular moment when a young Asian artist approached me and shared how my work inspired them to explore their own identity through their art. In that instance, I realized the impact I could have on others, just as so many artists had influenced me along my journey. As the evening wore on, I reflected on my journey throughout art school: the messy studio sessions, the unpredictable critiques, and the countless drafts that filled my sketchbook. Each moment revealed its own lesson, guiding me toward a more profound understanding of art and myself. I internalized the truth that art wasn't just about the final product—it was about the process, the struggles, and the stories that threaded through each work. My degree show marked not just an end but a beginning, as I stepped out into the vast world of possibilities that lay ahead. I understood that while my formal education was concluding, my learning would continue. The experience ignited a fire within me to push further, exploring new mediums and delving into collaborations that could expand my artistic horizon. I became aware that the path of an artist is not one of fixed milestones but rather an ever-evolving journey filled with exploration and growth. Ultimately, I left the gallery that evening with a heart full of gratitude, knowing that I had shared an authentic experience through my art. The degree show was not merely a culmination of years of effort but a celebration of community, resilience, and the transformative power of creativity. The stories shared that night would resonate within me forever, influencing my future works and my ongoing dedication to the craft I love. Stepping into the future, I carry with me a sense of hope and an unwavering belief in the importance of art in expressing the human experience.