My studio is a very busy place these days. Many projects on the go, which of course, makes for a bigger mess. They are coming soon, I promise. I so want to finish all these paintings, yet they come in their own time.

The romantic notion, of artist at the easel, surrounded by paint colours, creating something from nothing, although formidable, is only part of the equation.

Realistically a great deal of the artist’s time is spent as an independent business person. Striving to maintain a balance between creative work with bookkeeping, marketing and strategic planning is hard work. I am fortunate to be able to do what I enjoy.

People tend to admire talent, often commenting, ‘You’re so lucky, I wish I could do that’, when in fact luck had very little to do with it. What is invisible, to their eyes, are the years of diligent study, hours of practise, and failed attempts.

Yet persistence and determination have removed some of the roadblocks, allowing me to continue on my path. True, artistic talent may be a gift, yet it is what we put into it that makes all the difference. Unhoned talent is like an unopened package, whose contents are still unknown.

Unwrap the mystery. If you have received a gift, unwrap it, prepare to surprise yourself, take a risk, step beyond the limits you have set for yourself. You may find something beyond what you can dream or desire.