[November/December 2024]
Dear friends, family and collectors,
The end of the year is here. And it has been a full, full year. It has officially been one year and four months since I made the shift to being in the studio full-time. It has been very rewarding at times, as well as very debilitating at others. There were a couple of moments this year where I most definitely pondered, in length, the wisdom of my decision. Again and again I was forced to consider the consequences of this choice, and again and again I had the opportunity to re-realise why, despite all the difficulties, it never really was a choice after all. I belong in the studio. I was simply becoming better at accepting who I've always been, and I've always been an artist.
I have also been fortunate enough to have a small army of cheerleaders supporting me every step of the way. And thankfully, I no longer believe that making it alone is a sign of some misguided notion of strength, I now believe it's quite the opposite in fact. So to those of you who have purchased pieces from me during the year, who have whispered beautiful words of encouragement and supported me in the myriad of ways which being an artist, and a (sensitive) human being requires, I say thank you. It is no small thing to support and encourage one another with a genuine desire to see the other succeed. If we can't make it together, then what's the point?
And so, with all of that said, I have quite an exciting bit of news to share. Over the last couple of months I have been in contact with the wonderful Sarah McGee from M Studio Community in Johannesburg, South Africa. M Studio Community used to be a brick and mortar gallery, but has in recent years shed its brick exterior and begun to move its operations into the online, digital sphere. Sarah is very excited about the potential which online spaces hold for artists, especially as a way to expose South African artists to a more diverse international market and clientele. And I am very happy to announce that she has approached me to join her in this new venture. Perhaps even, as soon as this month, some of my work may already be for sale on some of these new online market places for original contemporary art pieces. I will share more details and links in future newsletters. So, thank you Sarah, I am extremely grateful and very excited to be represented by M Studio Community. To a mutually beneficial and uplifting partnership ahead🥂
So what lies ahead for 2025? Well, most certainly a few brand new bodies of work (and hopefully an exhibition or two somewhere). I am also very keen to publish Sam's book next year. I have not yet decided whether I want to try my luck at finding a traditional publisher, or whether self-publishing is the best way to go. All I can say with certainty is that the story and the 24 illustrations are done and dusted. So let's see what the new year will bring.
I have enjoyed writing these monthly blogs so so much. So thank you for reading and sharing. I wish you all a lovely festive season and a joyous new year.
All my love,
Nicola
PS. As always, if you enjoyed my musings and know of anyone who might also enjoy my ramblings please forward my blog to them, your support will be greatly appreciated. I would also love to hear from you. So any responses or comments or creative stories of your own that you might have and would like to share with me, please simply send me an email.
I am currently reading....
Wild by Cheryl Strayed
I have truly enjoyed this book. I am just a few pages away from finishing it. Cheryl Strayed's descriptions of the Pacific Crest Trail are beautiful. She draws you onto the trail with her, at times I even felt as though I was walking alongside her. Part hiking adventure, part memoir, she tells her story with vulnerability and inspiring honesty.
Highly recommend!
Studio Nicola Fouché. 2024.
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