What kind of year has 2024 been for you?
In summary, by far my best year yet! It’s been rich with opportunities.
While I was still studying I had my first exhibition in London, and did a BBC Shropshire radio interview about my work, and about how the second and the third Windrush generations have made a difference in our communities.
In May I found out that I’d been nominated for the Freelands Painting Prize, and then later that I was a winner. I was nominated by my university tutors so I was shocked and surprised. I felt very honoured that they saw the potential in my work.
I was selected for a-n’s Degree Show Guide – thank you! – and of course had my degree show. I was featured in a summer exhibition in my local gallery, Wellington Community Art Gallery, and was included in the Bostin Midlands Painters exhibition in Birmingham. I was also invited to paint live at my church, which was a nice way to show my process to the community that supports me.
Penguin Classics commissioned me to make a painting of the activist and writer James Baldwin, to celebrate a hundred years since his birth. It was unveiled at The book-ends bookshop in Wellington during Black History Month.
I’m also part of a group of Wolverhampton students of colour, called Wolves Togetherness. Inspired by the Black Arts Movement, we meet, organise exhibitions and it’s about creating a community. I think it’s important to honour that history, pass it on and make it the future too.
You’ve achieved a lot this year. Is it possible to pick out your major achievement?
My major achievement this year was definitely getting through my last year of university. I’ve been battling with health issues throughout, and then because of an admin error I was faced with the possibility of having to repeat my last year, and not graduating. It only makes it more of an achievement that I did it. And graduated with first class honours.
What has changed for the better this year?
Learning how to network by keeping up with other artists I’ve met this year. Whether that’s through Instagram – I’ve been invited to be in exhibitions that way – and also going to see other people’s shows. It’s part of building a support system and I’ve had a really good time too!
Did you have any goals when you graduated?
My main goal was definitely to find a studio, and I did – at Eagle Works in Wolverhampton, which is great.
Is there anything you’d like to have done this year but haven’t?
Overall, I’ve had more highs than lows. I wanted to apply for Portrait Artist of the Year, but it was a very busy time because I was still in my final year. So, next year!
What other plans do you have for 2025?
To apply for more opportunities, including competitions. Having my first solo exhibition would be really good and a nice achievement for myself.
And to see my work improve. I don’t like retouching my work. I like to leave it as it is; when it’s finished, it’s finished. It means I can look back and see the improvements, like the blending and shading. If I just kept on reworking and reworking, then the paintings are all going to be the same level. And then I can’t see where I’ve come from and where I’m going.
Top image: Shannon Ward, Freelands Painting Prize 2024 winner. Photo: Hydar Dewachi
