Finding Light in a Heavy Week

Fun morning crafting

This past week has been one of the hardest I’ve faced in a long time. As many of you know, alongside my art, I work in the NHS in an improvement role—work I’ve dedicated years of passion and learning to. Due to organisational changes, our team of improvement consultants is being reduced by three. As a result, I had to reinterview for my own job.

The emotional toll of this process has been immense. It’s been draining—mentally and physically. The uncertainty, the pressure, the fear of losing something you’ve invested so much into…it’s a lot. I find out tomorrow (Monday) whether I’ve been successful or not, but today—Sunday—has been a beautiful, much-needed breath of fresh air.

I ran our village’s flowerpot people workshop this afternoon, getting everyone ready for the upcoming flowerpot trail next month. It was creative, silly, communal, and uplifting—exactly the kind of joyful distraction I needed. Being surrounded by imaginative ideas and laughter has helped lift my spirits more than I can express.

And despite the exhaustion, that creative spark has started to come alive again. I’ve begun planning my next art series, and I’m feeling excited again about what’s ahead. Over the next few weeks, I’ll be introducing you to my Across the Continent collection in full—paintings that explore wildlife across different regions, each with its own story and colour palette. I released my giraffe piece early to coincide with World Giraffe Day, and I’m so grateful for the warm response it received.

In even more exciting news (drumroll please!)—I’ve been accepted into the Lancaster Makers Market this August! This is a huge moment for me, and I’m already bubbling with ideas for how I’ll share my work there in person.

So while this week has tested me in more ways than I expected, I’m holding onto the joy of today and the hope of tomorrow. Creating gives me life, and no matter what happens, I know I’ll keep making—because it’s who I am.

Thank you for being part of this journey with me.

Victoria Louise XX