Art in the Gardens: Celebrating Sheffield Artists with Lick of Paint
This weekend, I had the pleasure of being part of Art in the Gardens in Sheffield, exhibiting my work as part of the Lick of Paint stand alongside a brilliant group of artists connected through the programme.
It was a really exciting weekend of art, live painting, conversation and community - and a great opportunity to see the work of so many artists brought together in one space.
The Lick of Paint Stand
Lick of Paint has played an important part in my development as a Sheffield mural artist, so it felt particularly special to be involved in the Art in the Gardens event as an exhibiting artist.
The stand brought together a selection of artists who have been involved with, supported by, or connected to the Lick of Paint community. There was a real mix of styles, approaches and personalities, which made the space feel energetic and constantly changing throughout the weekend.
I was proud to have my own artwork included and to be able to share the space with such a talented group of artists.
Live Painting at Art in the Gardens
As well as exhibiting artwork, the Lick of Paint stand featured live mural painting from Enso and Natasha, giving visitors the chance to see the creative process happening right in front of them.
There is something completely different about seeing a mural being created live. Instead of simply seeing the finished artwork, you get to watch the decisions, marks, colours and ideas develop as the piece takes shape.
It also creates a different kind of interaction between artist and audience. People can stop, watch, ask questions and see the work evolve throughout the day.
A Mural With a Twist
One of the highlights was watching Enso and Natasha create their mural on a temporary wall made from a series of planter boxes.
The mural itself was temporary, but the structure had another life beyond the event - the individual planter boxes are available to purchase through Lick of Paint.
Watching the wall eventually come apart was a brilliant reminder of the temporary nature of public and live art. The artwork exists for a moment, transforms a space and creates an experience, before the physical environment changes again.
For me, that's part of what makes mural painting so exciting.
From Lick of Paint to the Streets of Sheffield
Being involved with Lick of Paint has been an important part of my own journey into mural and public art.
As a multidisciplinary artist working across painting, illustration, sculpture and mural work, I've been increasingly interested in taking my work beyond the studio and into public spaces.
My first mural on the streets of Sheffield came through my involvement with Lick of Paint, and opportunities like Art in the Gardens have continued to give me the chance to meet other artists, experiment with new ideas and become part of a wider creative community.
It's also reminded me that being an artist isn't just about making work in isolation. It's about collaboration, community, sharing ideas and creating opportunities for other artists.
Looking Back on the Weekend
Art in the Gardens was a brilliant opportunity to bring together different parts of Sheffield's creative community - from established artists and emerging mural painters to people simply discovering new artwork for the first time.
I'm really proud to have been part of the Lick of Paint stand and to have shared the weekend with such a great group of artists.
A huge thank you to everyone who stopped by, chatted, looked at the work, supported the artists and helped make the weekend what it was.
And of course, thank you to Lick of Paint for continuing to create opportunities for artists and for being such an important part of my journey into mural and public art.
More murals, more collaborations and more adventures to come.
