3 days until my first solo at centre space gallery
Countdown to My Solo Show: The Journey, The Vision, The Excitement
From booking the show back in May 2024 to now—just days away from opening—I find myself in a whirlwind of emotions, excitement, and a touch of organised (or perhaps unorganised) chaos. With a little over three days until I get the keys to start setting up and four until the show officially opens, the anticipation is real.
I’m pushing boundaries with this exhibition. I’ve added a pre-show day on Friday so not a single moment is wasted, where as most have the private view Friday night.
The “private view” however (which I prefer to call a social community gathering) is set for the second day February Saturday 8th from 1-3 PM, complete with music, a buffet, and refreshments. The gallery doors will be open from 11 AM to 4 PM, so feel free to arrive early and or stay until close if you like. I will just be clearing up so I can get back for Ralph who will be chilling with his dog walker at home.
Reflecting on the Process
It’s Sunday (2nd Feb) evening on the dawn of the week leading up to the show, and after seeing the group show at Centrespace and then an insightful conversation with the awesome rogue artists that are Rafi and Klee (check them out at www.rafiandklee.com and on YouTube/Patreon link at bottom of blog), I’m deep in thought about what it means to be an artist. We talked about the worth of an artist and the unique relationship we have with our own work and the mental shift required when we start to put it out there in the hopes of making a living from it. Now that my pieces are finished, there’s a strange sense of detachment—as if the effort, the countless hours, the mental and emotional toll somehow disappear once the art is complete.
But the truth is, this ability to create efficiently (though not always) comes from years of dedication. I’ve honed my craft to produce quickly without sacrificing quality. There’s always more to learn, ways to refine my technique, but I’ve built a life—(and taken over my living room!)—for the sake of art. Right now, I’m surrounded by my work. I curse the lack of space, yet at the same time, it’s pretty incredible when I step back and take it all in.
What prep for a solo show looks like, I will be happy when they are no longer resting against one another and are shown properly :D Get ready for the next blog showing the space empty
Some of these artworks represent over 40 hours of work. Others may have taken just 15 minutes, but it all adds up. This is my life—completely geared towards art.
Dreaming Beyond the Present
It’s easy to feel selfish for wanting more. I don’t own my place. I live in housing association accommodation, and the thought of ever having a two-bedroom with a garden seems almost far-fetched. But all I really need is a small space—a shed/annex-turned-studio or a spare room dedicated to creating. Of course, knowing me, even then, I’d probably fill it to the brim. I know if I was given two months for a solo show, I would make it work and have enough artwork.
This solo show could change everything. I feel like I’m on the cusp of something. What if all the work sells? What if none of it sells? Either way, it’s okay. I’ve invested in this show, not just money but time and mental resolve too. However what matters most is that I’ve stepped outside my comfort zone and put myself out there.
I recovered my wacky painting from being screwed to the fire place surround, and given it a fun name “the world is ending and so I made myself this fish hat” the tray frames really set them off and can be a way to show you’re in the quirky club too.
Event Planning: A New Hat I Never Expected to Wear
I’ve never been one for parties—never really truly enjoyed them, and since giving up drinking, even less so. Organising one? That’s an even bigger stretch. And yet, here I am, meeting with a musician over coffee, coordinating with a life drawing facilitator over Zoom, and pulling all the details together. Turns out, I’m doing a better job than I ever imagined.
On a broad societal level, large crowds make me uneasy, especially humanity at large (think war, murder, poverty, government decisions), but on a grassroots, one-to-one level, I love people—especially those who light the way, my tribe, my inner circle.
The Vision for the Show
I love seeing shows at Centrespace, but I’ve noticed that a lot of wall space often goes unused. There is something about minimalism but it is certainly not how I operate. I have no idea how my layout will compare to previous shows, but I have a feeling that if I really wanted to, I could fill every inch of those walls, maybe even the ceiling too—three or four times over! Of course, that wouldn’t be ideal for viewing, so I’m planning for balance. Some walls will have breathing space, while others will be a full sensory experience—a bold, immersive overload. As someone who is neurodivergent, I see this as a reflection of my own sensory experiences. Sometimes I crave calm, sometimes I seek stimulation. This show will have both but shown in a way that feels balanced and powerful, rather than overwhelming. That is where the challenge of curating a show lies.
I also want to allow most of the artwork to be taken home with their new human immediately upon purchase. I can easily replace sold pieces with others of a similar size and theme, ensuring that the space never feels empty but constantly evolving. Sure it may be empty space the rest of the day but I intend to have a few that didn't make it on the wall, behind the counter for easy switching. I can of course bring any of those out if anyone is interested (depends if there is space to do this, will see on the day)
Could this be a show like no other? At the very least, it will be unlike anything I’ve seen at this gallery. It will reflect who I am. it will be me. It is exciting to have this show reflect who I am and my artistic journey thus far. Not to mention to have the space to fill.
Final Preparations
The only real question mark now is how long it will take to hang everything. I no longer bother with spirit levels (they just slow me down); I trust my instincts and what looks right. I already have a mental map of most of the layout, so I doubt it will take as long as I think.
Like you, dear reader, fellow art lover, I’m eager to see how this all comes together. For now, it’s back to labelling and adding hanging hardware. Labels for days as we approach the final push, and then its time to bring the work out ready for transportation. Over 100 works, maybe more, for a six day show? Crazy? Sure! Exciting? Definitely!
I’m excited to have just finished my latest life drawing and my second jaguar piece—momentum is on my side but I recognised it was time to put down the paint brush and get to the computer for the admin side of things. Plus the last minute flyer drop too!
mar_artmodel chromatic waiting to be attached to the frame. A frame I was gifted from when I was at north street gallery in 2022, they were getting rid of it, and it was going free.
https://www.instagram.com/mar_artmodel/
The Details: When and Where
Inner and Outer Landscapes runs from February 7th-12th at Centrespace Gallery, Leonard Lane, Bristol BS1 1EA
Private View aka when most will gather and some music and things focus: February 8th, 1-3 PM (Live music by James Bragg, breakdance performance by Sebastian from 1:30-2:30 PM)
Buffet & Refreshments: snacks and finger foods (some gluten free, dairy free, vegan options ) Soft drinks, tea, coffee, cake
Life Drawing Session: Sunday, February 9th, 10:30 AM-12:30 PM (ticketed event, featuring United Models; I’ll be modelling in the second half - 20 years of drawing at classes I was curious what was it like for the model; and have now done so for 3 years or so, though probably far longer)
Gallery Hours:
Friday: Pre-show day
Friday-Wednesday: 11 AM-4 PM
Saturday 1-3pm private view social meet the artist (though im there everyday)
Sunday life drawing 10:30-12:30
Sunday exhibition hours 1-4pm
I hope to see you there. Let’s make this an exhibition to remember!
Rafi and Klee socials
instagram https://www.instagram.com/rafiandklee/
youtube https://www.youtube.com/@Rafiandklee
