This week in the life of SLART

Weekly art practice 61 | The Outsider Artist known as SLART.

NEW HERE? WHAT'S THIS WEEKLY ART PRACTICE ALL ABOUT?

Every Saturday, I share my weekly art practice journey. I'm captivated by the process – not just the finished pieces but everything from influences to materials. It's like getting a behind-the-scenes peek at an artist's world.

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THE IDIOT WHO INSTALLED THE KITCHEN PUT THE LED LIGHT SOCKET ON BACKWARDS.

I had to insert a new bulb by fiddling it in towards me, which caused me to knock over a bottle of Malbec that sprayed all over the counter, walls, and my dog's bed—prompting me to say, “FOR FUCK’S SAKE” and putting me in a shitty mood, all before 8am.

I was quickly soothed by listening to the audio version of

Amie McNee

’s new book while taking out the recycling. It’s really valuable to feel heard as an artist, especially when most of your friends and family don’t understand what it’s like. When I write this, I think, “Wow, SLART, what a melodramatic artist,” and that’s probably true. But having other artists in your life helps—a lot. It’s about relating to the need to create, the struggle of not wanting to work an unrelated day job, and the guilt of even considering an alternative.

Tuesday night saw just such a meeting of local artists in the form of curating for Swindon Arts Fringe. I think there are about 12 of us, each curating our own exhibitions in our lovely town during the same two weeks in June 2025. I’m so amazed by Sue, Sally, and Leah for setting this up last year and now turning it into a regular thing!

I took my two-year-old daughter with me, armed with rich tea fingers, raisins, and a few Milky Way Magic Stars hidden in the mix. She was good as gold—sat on my lap and took everything in. I love it when she’s around art, absorbing everything said around her. She’s been to more art exhibitions in her two years than I ever did in the first 37 years of my life! Back to the meeting—we’ve set the last two weeks of June for the event.

Some of the submission examples (Jean Dubuffet’s work) gives part of the Outsider Art vibe I’m looking for.

As I said before, something always drives me to take on another new thing, even though I’ve already got Memento Vivere on my plate. I’ve read that taking on new tasks while focused on another is a form of procrastination. But fuck whoever said that—I want to do it, and I’ll make it as simple to organise as possible. Of course, I’ll use this event to promote Memento Vivere too, as part of my curated exhibition and in the work I submit to other exhibitions.

I got some more good news this week—the lovely couple I had a patronage chat with last week decided to contribute £1,000 towards Memento Vivere! I am over the moon—so very grateful!! Thank you, thank you! It’s really boosted my confidence in asking and having conversations with people. I’ve shied away from direct conversations for so much of my life, but I think I’m starting to crave them—probably from having spent such a big chunk of my life online.

When budgeting for the event, it’s so easy to rack up costs you think you need. A prime example: I originally budgeted £2,500 for a cocktail company to provide drinks for the opening night, including two staff and all alcohol (well, a limited number of drinks). But when I said it out loud to my wife, she replied, “You could spend £300 on alcohol, have loads to drink, and get a friend to staff the bar for the evening.” She’s right. There’s nothing wrong with aiming high, but when the money is in my hands, I’d rather make it go further. Fixed costs, like the Crypt Gallery hire, are what they are, but many other expenses can be reduced. Another example—paying £10k for PR support over three months. It would be great to have someone promote the event for me, but could I use my creativity to do it for free or next to nothing? I’m just thinking out loud here—perhaps having a “basic” budget and a “nice-to-have” budget is a good way to see where fundraising efforts should go.

So, I contacted another person who had bought my art (I never take anyone for granted who buys my work) and asked if they’d like to become a patron of Memento Vivere. It’s becoming so much easier to ask—so far, two out of three people have contributed £1,000. I’m getting better at being direct. I’ve learned that direct doesn’t have to mean rude—in fact, it’s much more beneficial for everyone. It’s clear, concise, and doesn’t waste anyone’s time. Let’s see what they say—I’ll keep you posted.

I sold another soul this week—for 1p. Pretty cool that I’ve sold about seven now. When I say “soul,” it’s actually an art print with a custom message on the back. I’ll be inviting everyone who has bought my art to Memento Vivere’s private opening.

This too shall pass by SLART.

I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but I’m trying to move away from the Weekly Art Practice posts being made out of headings and plain text. I want to describe my week more like a journal. I was feeling like the format was becoming stale, rote, routine, and boring. Let’s see how this goes, Please let me know your thoughts.

Have a great Saturday.

Best wishes,

SLART.

P.S. One more thing, could you please leave a 4 or 5-star (Hopefully not 1,2 or 3) review on my SLART Google page? I'm looking to enhance my online presence as an artist, and this small, straightforward, and swift action would be immensely beneficial. Cheers!