Exploring the pressures of being an artist today
When asked what being an artist means, Eden responded: “being able to express and being able to create unique paintings that spread positivity and joy.” With this sentiment at the heart of her work, Eden’s love of painting can be seen through her art. But the creative shares that there have been bumps along the road.
After taking a break from social media to focus on her craft, Eden is back with new works, focusing on painting Black women and making the art that she enjoys. She shares more about navigating the pressures of being an artist, how to ‘find your niche’ and the importance of staying true to yourself.
How did you get into creating art?
I started art in Sixth Form. I did it for two years and really enjoyed it. I got into university to carry it on but then I had a baby. After I had my child I just saw art as a hobby and didn’t progress with it. During lockdown, obviously you’re stuck in the house bored, I started painting again and it just grew from there!
“Now that I’m doing something that I enjoy, I just love it!”
You recently took a break from social media to focus on your art. What made you want to do this?
I was feeling really pressured around getting my art out there, getting the likes and the video views. I decided to take a break as it was just not enjoyable. During this break I've been painting, painting, painting and I can’t wait to show it.
How have you navigated the pressure to ‘find your niche’ as an artist?
It’s still hard because I know that a lot of people who follow me, follow me for the nude pieces that I did. Although I like doing them, they weren’t selling and it’s not the road I want to go down. What I started doing was painting Black females and that’s what I enjoy doing, so I’ve gone back to that now. That’s something I’m going to stick with. I enjoy abstract as well so I’ll be doing that on the side but I’ll be focusing on painting Black women. I know I’ll probably lose a load of followers but I know that more will come.
“My value is creating unique paintings that nobody else has because there’s only one in the world.”
Do you think trying to cater for everyone can hinder your art?
It does because you’re not doing what you fully enjoy. When I was making nude pieces, although I liked it because it was my own style, it wasn't something that I really enjoyed doing. It felt like a task. Now that I’m doing something that I enjoy, I just love it! Even if someone else or my followers don’t like it, I’m still going to do it because I enjoy it.
