Workshops are amazing! You meet the nicest people and honestly, I always feel completely overwhelmed with gratitude that someone would be interested in hearing what I have to say about anything.

Thank you to everyone who came along to my workshop which was held at The Pencil Room in February. I was so tired after my exhibition and then the workshop and a hectic start to the year. My son also started school so I neglected to do a recap or send out a follow-up email.

So here are my thoughts. Everyone who came to my workshop probably already had the skills and interest to try what was on offer. What some were waiting for was permission to play and the allocated time to do it. As adults, we don't always give ourselves this time and I'm coming to understand how important it is to my art practice and my happiness. The time I allow myself for my art is limited due to many things. my art is a huge priority to me and I find the time to do it every day but even then I miss opportunities by rushing the process due to frustration. I know I need to learn to be kinder to myself and trust the process. I'm also guessing I'm better at telling other people this than following my own advice.

I don't know what everyone else learnt from my workshop but I certainly learnt a lot from it myself. I learnt that I have some advice to offer and maybe I do know some things from making art for 10 years.

I met some amazing people and I hope to see them again soon. I really need to send that email.

Ngaio Blackwood