Why I have changed styles and subjects over the years and what inspires me.
Journey of an optimistic artist
March 2025
Why I have changed styles and subjects over the years and what inspires me.
It is interesting to look back and see how your style and subject matter within your art has changed.
I have always loved abstract and abstract expressionism art; but at the beginning of my art journey, I felt a little insecure to show this work. Instead, I felt I must show that I could paint and draw realistically, prove my credentials if you like; so, I showed my work of portraits of animals, and they were well received. I could have continued in this vein and sold well, but my soul wanted something different. It needed to express itself spontaneously.
So, I began my journey in late 2021 into developing my abstract style, which is still ongoing today. You are always learning, developing, exploring and I am inspired by many things, but generally it is the movement and textures of flora, or my response to a a poem, prose or item. Something that tugs at my heart and makes me want to express my response to it, in my art.
In 2022 I explored the Elements: Earth, Fire, Water, Air and Ether – what it meant to people through the ages, and what it meant to me. Creating a series of work.
In 2023 I was drawn to colour and movement and the connection to philosophies of Qigong - the connection of mind, body and spirit and harmony with nature. While developing work in response to this I also delved into the synergy of art and the human mind. How synergy can create a visceral and emotional connection. I have also always been interested in how Art and Wine both use our senses to experience them, so wondered if there is a direct link between comparing art and comparing wine? Art triggers emotions in us on viewing it, but wine also triggers our emotions when we smell it and taste it. The innate traits of a wine, its taste, (body, sweetness, acidity, and tannin, character), and smell, create an emotional sensory response. Arts visual qualities the artists choice of subject, medium, colour, texture and brushstrokes/mark-making effects emotional responses as well . So, could we match a wine to these emotions?
This resulted in a Private Viewing in 2023 of an exhibition that had a wine matched to my artwork and four other artists. Each one a unique wine to a unique artwork, chosen by a Sommelier in response to the art. Would the guests see the connection? Amazingly they did, and it was an exceptional and successful evening. All of this has helped me grow. Which I recently did again with my exhibition in October 2025 ‘Under the Surface’ when I exhibited with 3 other artists in The Sixteen Gallery, Cheltenham.
For 2024 and 2025 I have been working on pieces in response to Kintsugi – the Japanese art of repairing pottery with gold. What it also means about yourself. How accepting your flaws and working with them, can make you stronger both emotionally and mentally. I like to show layers hidden within my work, for people to find, question, explore. We are all made up of our layers of history, each layer offering a personal perspective to life. How we respond to our hidden scars and how we heal makes us all unique. For me, the gold in my art expresses purity, spirituality, healing and beauty a hidden strength in all of us that shines through.
So why have I changed styles and subjects over the years ? As we grow as an artist the questions we ask inspire us. For me, asking questions, exploring, even playing, help me in my growth as an artist. To stand still in art is to stagnate. You need to question, try, fail and eventually succeed in what you want to show.
‘Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.” Edgar Degas
The one thing you have is your own voice. Take inspiration from anything, anyone and create, and see where it takes you.
Wendy Golding