I’m really excited, because tomorrow I get to spend the day at The Little Beach Hut of Dreams.
The beach hut, on Hove seafront, was set up by Beth Kempton, who runs the Do What You Love website, which has courses and resources to help you find ways to follow your dreams, whatever they may be. It’s all pretty close to my heart, as three years ago I packed in my proper job and moved away from London to go freelance and follow my own dream of working in a more creative field. I started off by doing an MA in Surface Pattern, going into it with a pretty open mind about where it would take me – I didn’t know what I was aiming for, but knew it would be fun to find out. I’ve now found myself working as an artist, using pattern in lots of different forms, places and contexts. It turned out to be absolutely the right choice for me and I wish I’d been able to be a bit braver about changing the course my life was taking earlier on.
Do What You Love also have links to the surface pattern world, collaborating with Rachael Taylor on The Art and Business of Surface Pattern Design courses and the lovely MOYO magazine.
So when I saw the opportunity to apply to be a Dreamer in Residence at the beach hut, it all seemed to make sense. I lived in Brighton or nearby for a lot of my life, so my visits here now are always a hectic whirlwind of seeing friends and family. The idea of spending a quiet day in a beach hut, looking out to sea and totally indulging myself sounds like absolute bliss.
Part of the reason I wanted to apply was that I haven’t given myself time to stop and think about how much life has changed in the last few years. Juggling freelance work, an MA, building a life somewhere new and now navigating my way through my first few residencies and commissions hasn't left much time for quiet reflection, and that’s what I’m planning to do tomorrow. I’ve got a few little activities planned, as I seem to think better when I’m occupied, but I’m going into it with an open mind and will do whatever takes my fancy. I’m going to shut out the rest of the world by turning off my phone (eek!) but I’ll let you know how I’ve got on in a few days’ time…
(Photos by Holly Booth)