Breaking Barriers in Art: From Dyslexia Diagnosis to Corporate Prejudice

Sometimes we need an insight into different business sectors. As an artist I’ve hit numerous brick walls in my time. I’ve not been to art school with exception to my GCSE achievement. Hitting brick walls as I would like to say is a common theme in my life. I was diagnosed with Dyslexia late in life whilst studying at Portsmouth University. It’s a condition which is all to common in society but is stigmatised by many who assume you are not academic. That myth still exists today but the norm is being questioned as some of the highest achievers in society declare their condition Albert Einstein, Richard Branson and Matt Hancock to list some of the famous names that come to mind for me personally. So I’ve got my own chip on my shoulder with a cross to bear. After University I worked for numerous financial organisations. After many years of employment, I felt obliged to declare my dyslexia conditions. Their approach was far from orthodox but highlighted to me the prejudice associated with the condition.

Community Cliché: Unmasking the Illusion

Today I’m writing this blog because I’m equally surprised with our society. Especially when I see the words ‘community’ used in a building. I want to question that word because I sometimes feel like its a ‘community cliché’ disguised to make you think its for the benefit of all. My personal feeling is it’s a disguise. If you have followed my art career you will know I stumbled upon this avenue. I was painting to keep myself busy whilst applying for jobs. My then tenant offered to buy a painting and offered me a sum of money. I declined and jokingly said I would get more money selling in a market. So, the challenge was given and yes I did get out of the house and started selling my art in my local community supported by local businesses. I didn’t realise what a competitive sector the art world is until I started selling. I also noticed how the establishments closed their door to many artists. That leads me onto todays questions.

Art for All: Challenging Capital City Doors and Artistic Elitism

Living in a capital city is definitely advantageous for any artist to get their work seen and sold. But the doors are not always open and take a lot of persuading.  One either has to come from the well-established University or have a résumé as long as your arm with accreditations.  This might sound like I’m talking in riddles.  Recently a long-established business that I had been working with sadly closed due to financial constraints.  I’ve since been looking for outlets to sell and also exhibit in a gallery surroundings.  When I see the words ‘community’ and gallery I expect transparency not just for me but for fellow artists.   I also assume its for the benefit of the community.  I accept it needs funding but usually at a discounted rate. A place for equals in society to join.  No this is not meant to sound like a political manifesto but realisation that community mean community and not just a capitalist organisation in disguise.

Gated Communities, Closed Doors: The Exclusive Nature of Art Spaces

I visited a local drawing room set up a street away from my home here in Bermondsey. It’s a relatively new development which has luxury apartments and businesses on the grounds. A gated community would probably best describe it with the intercom systems at different entrances to the estate. On proceeding to the drawing room to make enquiries, about hiring the art gallery space, I was faced with a lot of obstructive responses on asking about hiring the gallery. But gleaming above one of the doors said ‘Community’. I don’t wish to sound ungrateful but within the Borough of Southwark this word community is becoming synonymous with clique. If you live within these gated estates or boundary roads you are more then welcome, if not you are discarded and given excuses. At the time of my enquiry, I was advised the gallery space was available to those using the private drawing rooms. But those not enrolled in studio hired space had a waiting time until 2026. This obstructive conversation really did shock me. I accept I’m a well-established artist locally but for any artist seeking to get into the scene without a voice I want to call it out for what it is. A clique, that is dividing communities and not offering the all-important spaces struggling artists need. If these new developments are to be built and the word community and gallery used I ask we see a change in policy. Allow the surrounding community to join in and show off their work. I’ve brought this into question with my local MP and I’m most grateful to see they are making enquiries on my behalf. If new developments are getting funding from the state but are cherry picking clients should they loose their entitlement to government funding in a time of austerity. It is a question I’ve been asking myself today.

Beyond Studio Walls: The Struggle for Artistic Spaces in Modern Society

If you can afford to hire the drawing rooms on offer you are in a clique. But who can really afford these art studios and pass on the costs to clients. I personally work from home and for many years painted in my own bedroom. My circumstance changed 7 years ago when I had an outbuilding constructed in my garden. I’m one of the lucky few but even I struggle to find outlets to sell my work. So, when you see the words ‘Community’ written on a Gallery establishments wall and its part funded by the council for events one must ask who in society are really benefiting.