Artist statement

In the landscape of artistic creation, my mind is both my greatest ally and my most formidable adversary. It is a place where isolation and the absence of dialogue breed the seeds of serial doubt. Doubt, though often seen as a relentless foe, carries the potential to be a helpful companion on the path of creativity, provided it is managed with skill and wisdom.

 Throughout my artistic journey, I've embarked on a myriad of explorations, delving into diverse creative routines, experimenting with a wide range of mediums, and engaging in conversations with fellow artists about techniques and ideas. These endeavours have provided me with valuable insights, broadened my horizons, and fostered growth. However, I have come to realize that unless I am genuine and true to myself, my mind will persist in conjuring fears and doubts.

In response to this internal mayhem, I have found a simple yet profound solution: I paint what quietens my mind. This uncomplicated disposition serves as my guiding light, my artistic North Star. It means that I prioritize authenticity and personal resonance above all else. It signifies a departure from the need for external validation and societal expectations. It reminds me that my art is a reflection of my innermost thoughts’ emotions & experiences, a manifestation of my soul.

Through this commitment to self-truth, I've discovered a sanctuary within my creative process. In this sanctuary, doubts and fears no longer have the power to paralyze me. They become the sparks that ignite my imagination, the stepping stones on my path to self-discovery and artistic evolution. Managing doubts is not about eradicating them; it is about acknowledging their presence, understanding their origin, and transforming them into the driving force behind my work.

Ultimately, the act of creating is a deeply personal and introspective journey. It is a dance with one's own doubts and fears, a confrontation with the shadows that lurk within. The key to managing these doubts is to embrace them, to listen to their whispers, and then, through the alchemy of creativity, to turn them into the very colours of our canvas. For it is in this authenticity, this unfiltered expression of self, that we find not only solace but also the potential to touch the hearts and minds of others. Art, after all, is not merely about creating something beautiful; it is about revealing the truth, not just in the world around us, but within ourselves.

Jamesvaulkhard@gmail.com
(+44) 7738782384

141 Talgarth Rd, W14 9DA