artist profile

Victoria Stanway

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About the artist

As a child I always loved painting and drawing but never knew what to do with my ability. I went to art school (as it was the only subject I excelled at), and gained distinctions in all units, but I still didn't know what I wanted to do. I didn't really know who I was and never used my talent to find out. I guess I was lacking in the emotional maturity to question myself, so I eventually decided to head off in a different direction choosing to study film at degree level.

After having various soul destroying jobs (to pay off the student debts), I realised that the world of work was never going to give me any personal gratification and I should try and find that elsewhere. So I picked up my paint brushes again and began to experiment. It had taken me all those years to understand who I was and what I wanted in my life. I found that the ideas came flooding out. This is where my main body of work Landscape of the Minds was started.

I have just taken the bold decision to resign from my 'proper' job to devote all my time to art. I don't know how long I can keep going on my savings, but I've got to give it a go at least.

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