n 2015, I had the incredible honour of being selected as a finalist for the prestigious Hix Award, which was held at CNB Gallery in London. This recognition was not only an affirmation of my growing artistic career but also a significant milestone that stands out in my journey as an artist. The selection itself felt like a dream come true, as it was a testament to the progress I had made in my practice and the way my work was beginning to resonate with a wider audience.
Even more exciting was the fact that I was invited to showcase my work during my Degree Show at Central Saint Martins, a world-renowned art institution where I had spent several years refining my craft. To be able to present my work at such a prestigious event was both exhilarating and humbling. The Degree Show itself was a culmination of my academic experience, a moment where I could fully express the themes, techniques, and ideas that had been developing over the course of my studies. It was during this event that I had the chance to share my work with industry professionals, collectors, and art enthusiasts, many of whom would later become integral to my career.
My final project for the Degree Show and the Hix Award exhibition consisted of pieces that were quite different from my current artistic style. These early works were still deeply connected to themes of nature and animals—two recurring motifs that have always been central to my practice—but the execution and visual language were different. Given how much my work has evolved since then, I have chosen not to include images of these pieces in this post. They represent a phase in my development as an artist, but they no longer align with the direction I have taken in my more recent work.
Although my artwork was on display at CNB Gallery for a month, it did not result in a sale. However, the feedback I received was overwhelmingly positive, and the exposure proved invaluable. The gallery’s visitors, many of whom were prominent figures in the art world, offered insightful comments that helped me to see my work from different perspectives. While the piece didn’t sell during the exhibition, I left the event feeling motivated and encouraged by the recognition my work had received. More importantly, the connections I made at the exhibition led to several commissions from attendees who were intrigued by my artistic vision.
Being part of the Hix Award and the Degree Show at Central Saint Martins was a transformative experience. It was a moment that cemented my belief in the power of persistence and the importance of continuing to push boundaries in my creative practice. The exposure and the feedback I received helped to shape my work in the years that followed, and the commissions I earned were a direct result of the relationships I built during this time.
Reflecting on this chapter of my artistic journey reminds me of how far I’ve come and how pivotal each experience has been in shaping my current practice. The Hix Award finalist selection was not just an external validation of my work but also a turning point where I truly began to see myself as an artist with a unique voice in the contemporary art world. It was a reminder that, while sales and recognition are important, the true value of being an artist lies in the growth, connections, and opportunities that come from being fully immersed in the creative process.
