Exhibition vs Expedition - The juggling act

As some of you may know, my self-employed work involves not only being an artist but also working as an outdoor instructor, and balancing both roles presents a variety of challenges.

After leaving my teaching career, I'm frequently asked about my current activities. I usually explain that I juggle several roles: creating and selling art, teaching art workshops, doing some supply teaching, and working as an outdoor instructor both in the UK and abroad. Recently, someone asked which role I would choose to do full-time if possible. It was hard to answer because, aside from supply teaching, being an artist and outdoor instructor are integral to who I am.

The year 2025 truly tested my capacity to balance these two roles, as I agreed to participate in my first exhibition, which occurred right in the midst of my busiest time as an outdoor instructor. However, I accepted the challenge and committed to producing new original pieces for the exhibition while continuously working on expeditions throughout the UK.

My campervan, Stanley, served as my second home and transformed into a mobile studio. In every spare moment between jobs and during the evenings, I pulled out my drawings and worked on my 30cm by 30cm worktop, creating wildlife illustrations. From a puffin with sand eels to a bumblebee, and incorporating embroidery into my mixed media flower and seed head creations, I succeeded in producing what I believed to be a diverse collection of work for the exhibition which took place in July 2025.

Two weeks prior to the exhibition, I embarked on an overseas expedition to Sri Lanka, leading a group of young people. Preparing for this trip and packing my work for the exhibition was hectic, and I recall sitting and pondering which of the two I was better prepared for. Truthfully, I felt more assured in my position as an expoedition leader than as an artist. Thoughts of imposter syndrome overwhelmed me, making me question my artistic skills compared to the other two artists I would be exhibiting alongside and whether my work was worthy of being displayed in a gallery.

I frequently have these thoughts, not only regarding my skills as an artist but also as an outdoor instructor. However, why did I feel especially vulnerable as an artist?

I believe it's because, as an outdoor instructor, I utilize my skills as a communicator and teacher, along with my personality. I am always honest and humble about my abilities and promote teamwork to achieve a successful outcome. However, as an artist, my work represents me. I'm not there to explain why and how each piece was created or to describe what each piece means to me, nor the joy I experience when an animal's face emerges on the paper. I'm not detailing the mindful sensation of making marks on the paper or the hypnotic processes involved in creating my embroidery pieces.

One role is about offering a service, whereas the other focuses on providing a product. Frankly, I'm not very skilled at selling my artwork. At the exhibition opening, I just wanted to hide or talk about anything besides my artwork. I watched the other two artists confidently showcase their pieces and discuss the techniques and materials they used, wishing I could feel the same way about my own work.

Drawing on Expedition is the best of both worlds

As I juggle these two separate roles, I'm also facing my battle with imposter syndrome... Just like many others! I hope that by sharing this, it inspires anyone reading to be kinder to themselves, regardless of who or what they aspire to be.

In the meantime, the most crucial aspect of my new roles is consistently being reflective and seeking opportunities to share my passion for these two highly rewarding ways of expressing who I am.

Cheers to more exhibitions and more expeditions!