Untitled blog post from "macro & micro"

Sometimes it's good to be an outsider, on the outside looking in can inspire some great work. Working here in France as an outsider has pushed my work in directions not possible had I remained in the UK. People telling you that being discontent with your situation can be negative, but it takes you out of your comfort zone and to be honest what transpires can be surprising in a good way. It's also something to do with not being satisfied with what you're doing, always striving for more, basically not resting on your laurels. Had I not moved to France I wouldn't have been inspired to apply to do a course at the RCA, nor would I have felt the need to use an agent to promote my work - both had a huge impact on what I do, both media and subject. For somebody who is basically a landscape artist, I've come a long way. But enough is enough. Would I go as far to say I've been fighting a losing battle? Well, most of what I do is in the UK, so it makes sense to be there. Networking on the internet is one way of working, but I'd like to work with real people in a studio, so that's what I'll be doing from September. I'm going to rent a studio in Oxford and also join the Oxford Printmakers - exciting times. In the UK, people on the whole understand where I and my work are coming from - here it's another story. There are many art worlds, I'm just looking forward to returning to the one I know and love. Of course it won't be plain sailing - but every so many years you need to fuel your creativity in new and different ways and living in a happening city and working with other artists will be an inspiration.