Photo Credit. Charles Emerson (@charlesemerson_) — Photo Credit. **Charles Emerson (@**charlesemerson_)

1.RAINE: Knowing what you know now, what advice would you have given yourself 5 years ago?

To not worry about what is around the corner. Instead, try and embrace the present moment as much as possible. There have been many times when important milestones have passed me by without me even realizing it. Now I am trying to slow down and celebrate those achievements at the moment.

2. RAINE: If someone asked you how could they stimulate their creativity, what advice would you give?

To just 'do' instead of overthinking and procrastinating. There is an excellent letter written by artist Sol LeWitt to the young sculptor Eve Hesse about productivity. It helps me put to bed any self-doubt or blockages in the creative process and feel liberated from pressures:

"Dear Eva,

It will be almost a month since you wrote to me and you have possibly forgotten your state of mind (I doubt it though). You seem the same as always, and being you, hate every minute of it. Don't! Learn to say "Forget You" to the world once in a while. You have every right to. Just stop thinking, worrying, looking over your shoulder, wondering, doubting, fearing, hurting, hoping for some easy way out, struggling, grasping, confusing, itching, scratching, mumbling, bumbling, grumbling, humbling, stumbling, mumbling, rambling, gambling, tumbling, stumbling, scrambling, hitching, hatching, bitching, moaning, groaning, honing, boning, horse-shitting, hair-splitting, nit-picking, piss-trickling, nose sticking, ass-gouging, eyeball-poking, finger-pointing, alleyway-sneaking, long waiting, small stepping, evil-eyeing, back-scratching, searching, perching, besmirching, grinding, grinding, grinding away at yourself. Stop it and just DO"

3. RAINE: Have you ever faced the issue of burnout in your career? If so, how did you overcome it?

Yes of course. I hit an artist's block back in 2014 when I made the transition between working on small-scale pieces to the large-scale works I make today. To overcome this block, I questioned everything: Why was I an artist? Why was I making work about color and light? Why color? Why light? I had to take some time to pick apart and critique everything. Why was I doing this? Who was it for? It was an emotional roller-coaster, it was a hard thing to do. I came out of the other side having found answers to those questions, which meant I could develop my voice as an artist. It meant that every work I would make from this point on was like a self-portrait. In essence, it means that every piece is linked.

4. RAINE: If there was one thing you could have changed during your journey as a creative entrepreneur, what would it be and why?

To not be in a rush for instant success after graduating from art school. My ambition and keenness could have been off-putting (as well as perhaps endearing). However, I now realize that being an artist is a life choice, not a job choice - I am in it for the long haul. I have now given myself time to develop my voice and grow my ideas which have resulted in better and more affirming work.

5. RAINE: What was the biggest surprise you have experienced in building your business or career?

As an artist, I am often in the studio working in isolation. So, one of the biggest surprises has been the close friendships and relationships I have formed whilst working on projects. There are a lot of like-minded people out there!

6. RAINE: What life experience impacted you the most and how did it change you or your course in life?

There have been so many moments that have impacted me and changed my direction; too many to name. Every decision you make takes you on a slightly different path. One experience that stands out was when I applied for a small group exhibition opportunity in 2010 at the start of my career. Long story short, I was selected for the show - then 3 years later married the curator!

7. RAINE: What is your "Why?" Why have you chosen to pursue this path?

Being an artist is either within you or it's not. I was born to artist parents, so I have never known anything different You could say it's in my DNA. I was never very good at academic subjects or sitting still, therefore I decided to pursue the path that I felt I excelled at most and that made me happiest.

8. RAINE: What major project coming up are you most excited about?

There are several projects I am working on at the moment that are all super exciting! They all involve making new work and showing it to new audiences. At the end of July, I will be unveiling a new permanent site-specific outdoor commission very close to home. It will become the largest public artwork in the region.

Photograph © Aleksi Nurminen / Andy Stagg

9. RAINE: What is the biggest problem that creatives face today and how would you solve it?

There seems to be a lack of support for artists once graduated from art school. Often, you end up in a no man's land. There needs to be more provision for available exhibition spaces, mentoring, and peer-to-peer critique to encourage artists to continue making and to get their career ball rolling.

RAINE: What are five things that your fans don't know about you?

I had septic meningitis as a child and nearly died.
I am obsessed with gardening.
I don't have a favorite color.
I have never eaten a banana or an orange.
I have a Guinness World Record.

12. RAINE: What words of wisdom can you share with others on a similar journey?

My favorite David Bowie quote remains poignant and true: "If you feel safe in the area you're working in, you're not working in the right area. Always go a little further into the water than you feel you're capable of being in. Go a little bit out of your depth. And when you don't feel that your feet are quite touching the bottom, you're just about in the right place to do something exciting."

Liz West, Art and Creativity