Signalling in the New Year with more ‘Useless’ goals.

Well, here we are. Christmas is finally over, I hope you all enjoyed it as much as I did. There really is nothing like a bit of festive indulgence to see out the year, but right now it’s time to shake off the tinsel and usher in 2025.  

Like most people, I’ve been mulling over my goals for 2025. Loads of usual ones, drink less, eat healthier, cut down on my caffeine intake (Yeah right!!). Going through them all, the big one for this year is, wait for it…. An exhibition! Yes, I can hear some of you say, I heard that last year! Hopefully though this year it will happen. I’ll be aiming to share my work in a tangible way, to pull it out of the studio (or, as it currently stands, out of my head) and into the world.

That being said, getting back into the studio is proving to be a slower process than I’d like.  My shoulder has been a bit of a party pooper lately, side-lining me more than I expected. I am starting physio next week and I’m optimistic that will help me turn the corner. Once I can move freely and without wincing, I’ll be back to work, messy, creatively and hopefully pain-free.

In the meantime, the ideas have been simmering away.  I’m itching to explore a few new directions. I’ve been toying with some concepts that include a 3D element. It’s still in the sketching and dreaming phase, but the idea of playing with dimensions feels exciting.  Hopefully it will transfer from thought to a tangible thing in the way I think (hope) it will!!! 

Now, let’s talk about Useless. Why in the world did I decide to call this thing Useless,  why would I choose something that sounds so dismissive. The truth is, it’s a little tongue in cheek and a whole lot personal. Growing up in the 80s & 90s with undiagnosed ADHD and Autism, “useless” was a word I heard far too often. Whether is was in the classroom, on the football pitch or in social situations, useless was a word that described me quit fittingly. I can see now I didn’t fit into the moulds people expected me too. The things that made me tick were often misunderstood and I spent most of my time masking to try and fit in. Looking back, things could have been a whole lot different, but I can honestly say I wouldn't change the life I led as it has made me who I now am with loads of crazy stories to tell.

Useless is the reclaiming of something that used to weigh me down and flipping it into something fun, creative and more importantly positive. Let’s be real here, labels like “useless” don’t or shouldn't define you. They are someone else’s perspective, not your truth!

To finish things off, here’s to 2025. To exhibitions, healing shoulders and to making something beautifully “useless.”

Let’s see where the year takes us.

Thank you for reading.

Ax