Dare to dream

Do you need a mental laxative to release the shit that holds you back? This post is my prescribed laxative.

Happy new week! We start this one off with a bang by welcoming back the wonderful SLART . Turns out he’s been a busy man inching closer to being a full time professional artist. And you know what, if this account is anything to go by I’m convinced he’s going to get there. He has a dream, he has the right attitude, he’s building a community and he’s making things happen. A surefire recipe for success. Time will tell, but I for one have faith.

I highly recommend everyone checks out SLARTs Substack to see the journey to a full time artist unfold in real time.

Enjoy.

TJB

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If not believing in myself were an Olympic sport, I’d have a gold medal from my 42 years in this realistic simulation called ‘Life on Earth’.

Today, in a bizarre twist inside my mind, a clear, opposing thought emerged through the negative static interference:

“If every one of my subscribers switched to a paid annual subscription today, I could leave my day job and maintain my current lifestyle for a full year. My mind wanders, thinking about what I could create within that year!??

I’m not hinting that you should upgrade—It’s just a fun thought experiment about how powerful community support can be. It’s quite something to think about, right?

What’s your magic number—the one that could change your life? Let’s chat about it.

*of course, I wouldn't complain if the above happened lol

Then Anna | BACK TO SENSES replied:

“A girl can dream, right?

Maybe that’s exactly what you need to do to make it a reality: think about what you could create within that year.

Maybe start creating it. Invite people to watch you do it. They might even start funding the fun.”

It got my imagination whirring…

If you read my writing on Substack, you’ll notice that my whole thing is about leaving my day job to become a full-time (and highly paid) professional artist.

But that poses the question…

What would I spend my time doing as a full-time professional (and highly paid, of course) artist? Specifically?

If I had that year to dedicate myself to my art, my weeks would have a clear schedule that balanced deep creative work, professional growth, and personal freedom.

Two full days would be just me and the canvas. No distractions, no admin, just painting in my studio. I’d immerse myself in the process, pushing ideas, deepening my style, and losing track of time in the best possible way. and…Napping if I wish!!!

Another day would be dedicated to thinking and planning, mapping out future artworks, sketching ideas, absorbing inspiration from galleries and exhibitions, and letting concepts develop without pressure. This would be about vision, ensuring my work evolves in a way that excites me. (My busy mind would have to permit this ‘hard work’ and adapt to a new way of being!)

Then there’s the business side. One day each week would be spent promoting my work, connecting with collectors, organising exhibitions, and keeping everything moving forward. I know the reality that art doesn’t just sell itself. But with focus and a good system, this part wouldn’t consume me; it would just be another creative challenge.

Writing is also essential for me, after writing for 18 months on Substack, so I’d set aside time to write new posts. Not just for self-promotion, but to articulate my thoughts on art, share my journey, and connect with like-minded people. It is about building a community, not just selling work.

And at the foundation of all this? A recurring income that covers everything moving forward after the year. No more worrying about bills or squeezing art around a job that drains me. Just a sustainable way to create without compromise. Would you like that too?

But the best part? It would not just be about making art, it would be about being fully present in my life. I could pick up my daughter from school, take her in the mornings, and actually be there in the evenings, without being exhausted from work, managing the stress of juggling everything stealing my headspace. That kind of freedom is priceless.

And beyond that, I could paint murals just because I want to, whether for fun, for a cause, or for money. Total creative autonomy. No limits. That is the life I’m working towards!

My Art Exhibition: Memento Vivere is a stepping stone

In August 2024, as you’ll see in my Weekly Art Practice, after putting in lots of effort applying to hundreds of open calls and shelling out for competition fees, I faced a lot of rejections. It was a bitter pill to swallow, constantly putting my work out there and not seeing the results I hoped for.

Rather than continue doing the same things and expecting different results, I had the idea to take things into my own hands and create a professional art exhibition, giving myself an entire year to create something remarkable open to the public.

Memento Vivere brings together 12 of my previous paintings and 12 new artworks, highlighting my journey from battling kidney failure to a more hopeful future, all while acknowledging the universal reality of death. Set in the historic Crypt of St. Pancras Church, the exhibition invites visitors to reflect on their own lives in a unique and thought-provoking way. It’s a chance to see how art connects personal pasts to brighter futures and to find inspiration in the celebration of life's fleeting moments.

Having a year to plan is a double-edged sword. It’s a long time to plan, but also long enough to procrastinate a lot! That said, I am moving forward regardless of any setbacks. I’m giving it my all to make this event a success, part of that is considering what ‘a success’ means. For me, that is evolving, but for now, it’s this…

Curators, gallerists, art historians, and even critics are taking notice of my work, recognising it as significant and intriguing. This attention would lead to more curated SLART art exhibitions in the future. Additionally, selling all of my pieces at the exhibition would be fantastic! Most importantly, I hope that visitors take the time to engage with the art and reflect on their own lives. The intention is for them to step away from their daily routines, realise that life is short—and that's okay—and start living more purposefully, rather than just letting life pass them by.

What would YOU do if you had a year’s expenses covered?

I'm giving you permission to consider this right now. I understand what's happening in your mind: you might be dismissing the idea without even contemplating it, or perhaps you're too preoccupied to dream—and that's understandable. Alternatively, you might feel unworthy of what you desire, thinking, "I can't possibly achieve that."

Trust me, allow yourself that space right now. If not now, then when? It must be right now. You deserve to dream; your beliefs about your capabilities have set the bar too low.

Memento vivere.

Remember to live.

SLART x Crosland Exhibition - Artsite Swindon - 9th Dec 2023. ‘This too shall pass’ will feature at the Memento Vivere Exhibition in September 2025.

If you live in the UK (Well, if you live anywhere, you are more than welcome to join!) Then please join the Memento Vivere exclusive updates list. I look forward to seeing you in person in London in September 2025.

I’ll leave you with the wise words of Anna | BACK TO SENSES …

“Just” entertaining the thought can put things into motion. Careful what you wish for! 😉

Tell me, what would you do if all your expenses were covered for a year? I'm gently nudging you to share your thoughts in the comments below. It can be rough, it can be brief, but please, write something. You deserve to dream.

Best wishes to you,

Thanks for reading!

SLART

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