September 18, 2026
Friday
A whole year has passed since I was last here at The Hide Artist’s Retreat and a lot has changed.
Last year when I was here I started writing the day after I arrived. This year I’ve needed more time to settle after a busy summer. I chose to stay in the Shepherd’s Hut this time (maybe next time I’ll spend longer in the Studio live and work space) but a week was all the time I could take this summer.
Where I’ve been reading and writing at The Hide Shepherd’s Hut.
This year I came by train, packing much lighter with literally one rucksack, a tote bag and a small across body pouch. I’m starting my second year on the MFA programme at City and Guilds London Art School next week and this week has been a wonderful opportunity to think about my work and plan ahead as next year will be more intense with a dissertation to write and a final show to work towards.
My journey here was delayed as someone was hit by a train along part of my route. A poignant reminder of suicide (I assume) which touches on my Father’s death. It feels both awkward and necessary to refer to it here as I believe in making work that draws upon, in part, an open and honest account of life. Last year I received some funding to come here to research and make work in response to this knowledge. My Father was little known to me and sadly died aged of 34 when I was 7. My art practice isn’t defined by my experience of loss but is still informed by it.
My academic year on the MFA programme has been energising, stimulating, challenging, frustrating and at times tiring; everything one might expect. This year I’ve drawn back from public events such as open studios and open calls but did exhibit at Urban Art Fair which I enjoyed. It gave me the opportunity to sell work and meet new contacts; something that will be firmly on the agenda next year as I present my final show and meet visitors.
The book The Creative Habit by Twlya Tharp has been on my radar and when I saw it on Alice’s shelf after a mentoring session she lent it to me. The book subtitled ‘Learn it and use it for life’ has helped reset my creative practice after a summer engaged in thinking about moving house and proceeding. The pressure’s off for a while but it’s preoccupied my thinking all summer. Planning how best to allocate time is key and that’s something Alice helped me with during our session. Alice has done an MA too and knows the challenges of a balancing act.
Other changes this year have been the arrival of my first grandchild with a baby cousin for her on the way too. I’ve let my Art Psychotherapy registration lapse so my therapy days are over as I focus on developing my own work. I still offer mentoring though which I’ve always enjoyed.
I’m over halfway through my week here, one more full day and two sleeps before it's time to return home. I’ve enjoyed solitude and silence pleasantly punctuated with a visit from an artist friend and a visit to This House Gallery to see an exhibition of Rosie McGuinness’s beautifully uncomplicated gouache paintings of everyday life. My friend Jo gifted me a small ‘loop book’ she made which I made some drawings in yesterday evening. It’s just bigger than the palm of my hand. Sometimes it’s the simplest of things that can help get us back to our art practice.
Being away has helped me focus on my goals for this term, make a plan in my diary and read and research what comes next once I’m back at Art School. I’ve concentrated on sleeping well, eating well and doing yoga. There’s been minimum input in terms of news, no tv, social media or phonecalls. I did listen to the Rose Wylie interview on the Homing podcast with Matt Gibberd which I enjoyed and this evening I want to watch a film Lars and the real Girl again, which I think is an incredibly thought provoking film about a curious was of navigating unprocessed grief.
I’ve been working in a brown paper concertina book this summer using limited materials; responses to my surroundings and my internal world. I keep thinking about how my paintings can lack the looseness of these initial drawings, maybe that’s ok or something to challenge myself with once back in the studio. I like drawing on brown paper in the same way that I like painting on clear primed linen.
September 19 2026
Saturday
I doubt I’ll get time to write tomorrow as I leave to go home quite early. I’m thinking about what I’ve learned this week. The experience has led me to feel more connected to my self in a bodily way, less in my head. I’ve done less, eaten less and feel lighter both physically and mentally. Even washing up the few utensils and containers I’ve needed to make simple meals outside, has made me slow down. Living in a relatively rudimentary way has made me grateful for my life. The week has been just what I needed and I’m thankful I had the opportunity for it.
Thank you to Alice and team Hide for a wonderful week.
What might you need to come back to yourself and your art practice if it’s been a busy or time…..