Solo Exhibition at the Gateway Gallery

I submitted my growth pieces (see here) for a competition turned exhibition centred around ‘growth,’ with ‘growth begins when you step outside your comfort zone,’ getting a place alongside many other incredibly talented artists. There was a people’s choice award, which awarded a chance to have one’s own, solo exhibition, and well, I won! Thank you to everyone who voted for me. 

This was my first solo exhibition. Although it was quite a daunting task, it felt like a major step in helping me find myself as an artist. It was a month of hard work, especially over Christmas, but I enjoyed putting it all together. I started by looking through my work, picking out pieces to be displayed, planning how I’d use the space, as well as what I’d need in terms of frames and flyers. I knew I had quite a large room to fill by myself.

Many pieces weren't initially meant for display, and selecting the best from the past two years was quite a task. Of course, I didn’t have to just use things from that timescale, but that’s just how it turned out; so much of my older work either doesn’t feel like me anymore, or has been given away or used for some other purpose. As you will learn in the exhibition’s blurb, I only started creating for me and my own enjoyment again in 2022. 

I chose a fairly sporadic arrangement for my works; considering that there was a variety of shapes and sizes, it felt like a wise choice; pieces could be arranged like a puzzle, fitted into a place just for them. I felt it mirrored the spontaneity of nature, a theme throughout my work, as well as the freedom and spontaneity found within the style of my drawings. There was also a variety of mediums presented in my exhibition; drawing, painting, collage and photography, and so I wanted to do something that would embrace the show’s variety, using both a sense of, and a lack of, consistency within the arrangement in order to tie everything together.  

My flyer and poster designs complimented both the range of mediums, and the sporadic arrangement of the exhibition. I chose a diverse range of pieces, and displayed them in a similar fashion. It created a scrapbook-like result; an aesthetic that inspires me for its authenticity and spontaneity— see a theme emerging here?

The flyer and poster read as follows:

"Hello, I'm Marianne Maisy, and I'm delighted to introduce you to my solo art exhibition—a visual narrative of my creative journey. From a young age, I was captivated by drawing, painting, and various forms of creation. Early recognition fuelled my passion, propelling me toward a life dedicated to creativity. Studying art and design in my late teenage years felt like the most natural path, and I've been exploring it ever since, delving into photography and illustration along the way. Creativity isn't just a hobby for me; it's a vital part of who I am.

In my late teens, I faced unexplained and widespread pain and exhaustion. Daily headaches, throat tension, chest tightness, and various other ailments became my constant companions. Diagnosed with chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia, I also battled anxiety and depression. Despite these challenges, my art became an expression of life's beauty and an optimistic exploration of my thoughts and feelings. I strive to capture those timeless moments that make life meaningful.

My artistic journey took a distinctive turn in 2022, heavily influenced by my struggle with fatigue. Constrained by limited energy, I've learned to pace myself, using quick, flowing marks and spontaneous decisions to conserve energy while creating art that is both gratifying and cathartic. This style mirrors the spontaneity of nature, akin to the effortless bloom of flowers, bringing life, colour, and beauty. There's a tangible sense of vitality and spirit in each piece, echoing the resilience that positivity, affirmation, and strength can bring.

I invite you to explore my exhibition—a visual representation of my journey, capturing the enduring beauty found within life's fleeting moments."

The finished exhibition room featured two large canvases, which were created especially for the event (see here), a wall of illustrations, another of photography, and two walls and a glass case filled with digital and analog collages. I also displayed a few of my sketchbook which detailed the meaning and process of some of the works, as well as some information sheets, as shown in the above images. Please feel free to give them a read!

Overall it was a wonderful and affirming experience. I received lots of kind messages in person and in the guestbook, and made some sales, all of which I created personal thank you notes and sketches for! Many of the works displayed can be found on my website, and some are for sale in the form of prints.