The Crazy Run-Up to the Rossendale Arts Trail: Chaos, Colour & Creative Breakthroughs

With just days to go before the Rossendale Arts Trail, I’ve finally come up for air—and what a whirlwind it’s been. Between working full-time in my NHS role, tackling a digital marketing course, and building a brand-new art collection from scratch, life has been a constant juggle of to-do lists, late nights, and coffee-fuelled creativity.

There were definitely moments I questioned my sanity for taking on so much at once. But looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing. The pressure, oddly enough, helped me push my practice in new and exciting directions.

This new collection feels different—bolder, more expressive. I gave myself permission to play with colour in a way I haven’t before, layering more intuitively and allowing my brushstrokes to flow with less restraint. It’s been a liberating experience, and I genuinely feel like I’ve taken a step forward creatively.

Now that the collection has come together, I can’t wait to share it with you all at the trail. There’s something special about seeing months of quiet studio work finally come to life in a public space, surrounded by other artists and art lovers. It’s the culmination of chaos, commitment, and a lot of heart—and I hope it shows in the work.

If you're local, come along, say hello, and take a peek at the pieces that kept me going through late nights and early mornings. I'd love to hear what you think.

See you at the trail!

— Victoria Louise