Art has always been about the unknown.
Whether it’s the process of making the work or what happens once it leaves the studio, there’s always an element you can’t predict. And every now and then, something unexpected opens a new door.
This is one of those moments.
An Unexpected Connection
During my solo exhibition at Peterborough Museum, I spent time at the venue each day — meeting visitors, having conversations, and hearing different perspectives.
One of those conversations led somewhere I didn’t expect.
I met Paul Smith (not the fashion designer, but someone just as interesting), and we ended up talking for a couple of hours about art, creativity, and how people find their way into it.
Paul is the founder of CamCreatives, a Cambridge-based organisation supporting artists through exhibitions, workshops, and events.
We stayed in touch.
Over time, he visited me — first in Stamford, then later at my studio in Peterborough. On one of those visits, he mentioned a new exhibition he was curating and asked if I’d like to be involved.
I didn’t need to think about it.
Introducing ‘Shine’
The exhibition, titled Shine, is being held at the Grand Arcade in Cambridge — right in the centre of the city.
It’s a space that naturally brings in a wide mix of people. Not just those actively seeking out art, but those who might come across it unexpectedly.
That kind of setting changes how work is experienced.
I visited the exhibition shortly after it opened and had the chance to see everything together for the first time.
The overall standard was high — a wide range of styles and approaches, but with a shared sense of intent.
The Experience of the Show
Walking through the space, what stood out was the variety.
Each piece carried its own identity, but together they created a cohesive atmosphere. Some works demanded attention immediately, while others revealed themselves more slowly.
That balance is what makes a group exhibition work.
Selected works from the ‘Shine’ exhibition, Grand Arcade, Cambridge
If you’re interested in seeing more of the exhibitions I’ve been involved in, you can view my exhibitions here.
Some of the work I create for exhibitions like this is also available, and you can view available paintings.
Meeting Other Artists
One of the most valuable parts of being involved in an exhibition like this is the opportunity to meet other artists.
Creating is often a solitary process. You spend a lot of time working things out on your own.
But when artists come together, there’s a shared understanding.
Different styles. Different mediums. Different approaches.
Yet the same underlying questions:
- Is this working?
- Where does this go next?
- How far can I push this?
Those conversations are always worth having.
Time Spent Looking
I took my time moving through the exhibition.
Some pieces immediately pulled you in. Others needed a moment.
There was a mix of painting, sculpture, photography, and mixed media — each bringing something different to the space.
The layout allowed for that.
It gave each piece room to breathe, and each viewer the chance to engage at their own pace.
My work exhibited as part of the ‘Shine’ exhibition, Cambridge
A Moment on the Radio
During the visit, I was also interviewed by Cambridge Radio about my work.
Talking about your process out loud is always slightly strange. So much of it feels instinctive — difficult to fully explain.
But it was a good opportunity to reflect on what I’m doing and why.
And to talk about how exhibitions like this help bring work into the world.
Why Shows Like This Matter
Exhibitions like Shine play an important role.
For artists:
- visibility
- connection
- shared experience
For visitors:
- discovery
- new perspectives
- access to work they might not otherwise encounter
Not everything has to happen inside a traditional gallery.
Spaces like this open things up.
Being Part of It
Looking back, this is one of those moments that came from simply being present and open.
A conversation that led to something else.
An opportunity that wasn’t planned.
And a reminder that a lot of this comes from showing up and putting the work out there.
If you’d like to explore more of my work, you can view available artworks or browse limited edition prints.
If you’d like to learn more about my background and process, you can visit my About page.
Exhibition Details
Shine Exhibition
Grand Arcade
St Andrew’s Street
Cambridge
CB2 3BJ
Runs until February 19
