2024 has been WILD! In terms of printmaking, of personal growth, all whilst cautiously poking my head out of my hermit shell …Let me take you through the highs, the lows, and the ink-splodged adventures in between.
Whilst we’re here, allow me to wish you Happy Solstice, Merry Yule, Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and all the season’s greetings! I hope this time brings you quiet calm, peace, and perhaps a spark of inspiration.
What has confidence to do with being a Creative?
January kicked off with a 2 weeks free Creative Management Skills Bootcamp. It was hosted by University of Portsmouth and led by Dr Zoe Dann. The event was under the auspices of Portsmouth Creates and Solent Partners. This wasn’t just about picking up new skills. It was a reminder to focus on the bigger picture. We need to grow as both a creator and a business owner with confidence. The learning itself was something I looked forward to and embraced. Strengthening skills was a welcome challenge. Affirming my budgeting expertise was another. Eyeballing the tools of modern marketing was also a welcome challenge. But being amongst people? Whelp.
Navigating the social side of the bootcamp was far less straightforward. I was fortunate to know some familiar faces. They included the ever-supportive Liz Linfield, Laura Simpson, and Stef Soares. However, “peopling” is never easy for me. It is certainly not something I sashay into. Friendly presence amidst the crew made the process more manageable, offering pockets of comfort in an otherwise daunting dynamic. The upshot is, I made friends over the course of two weeks. Here’s looking at you, Ness. I might have refreshed some social graces along the way.
The energy in the room left a lasting impression. The insights shared by presenters were impactful. The camaraderie of fellow micro-business owners was memorable. Sharing experiences and connecting on similar paths reminded me of the power of community, even when it’s hard to engage fully.
If you haven’t heard of this Bootcamp before, consider yourself informed. Lucky you, Dr Dann is running more bootcamp cohorts this January 2025. After you’ve finished reading this don’t walk – run across to contact the University of Portsmouth to secure your spot!
Takeaway point: Expanding your skills opens doors you hadn’t considered. What step could you take to invest in your growth?
Stumbling forward – and reaching for opportunity mid-fall
The year’s linocut trek began with a push towards the largest linocut thus far. It is titled “Onwards Together“. This work is a 12-layer reduction lino print on A2 hessian-back linoleum. It was completed in a whirlwind seven days.
Why the rush? I hear you ask ..
In February, I faced rejection from the Women In Art exhibition. It stung—especially with no feedback provided when I requested it (a girl wants to know how to improve, right?). But as fate would have it, an unexpected opportunity came my way. Liz Linfield of AhoyDare graciously invited me. She asked me to join the Hotwalls Studios artists’ own alignment. It is for a Women In Art celebration at The Round Tower. The event is scheduled for International Women’s Day in March.
This, then, became more than just making art. It was about embracing the unexpected and turning setbacks into stepping stones. I aimed to prove to myself that rejection doesn’t define me. Here I’m paraphrasing Viktor Frankl’s stimuli and response theory: it’s how I rise in response that truly matters.
And so, reduction linocutting a mahoosive linoleum (it’s A2 size. A2!) to print “Onwards Together” became an act of sheer resolve (..stubborness?). Seven intense days later, sending the finished print framing felt like holding tangible proof of resilience and creativity. Exhibiting this piece, alongside the remarkable collections of artists’ works at Hotwalls Studios, was another emotional high. What made it even more special was the visit from an Old Felician school friend who happenned to travel all the way from Australia to see the exhibition. That moment moved me deeply and renewed my strength. Thank you, Sa, for being part of this journey.
Salient points: Setbacks don’t define you—your response does. What challenge could you turn into an opportunity? Challenges are fuel for growth if you let them be. What opportunity could you embrace next?
About Community and Supporting each other
Workshops have always been about sharing printmaking, but this year they became so much more. Watching someone light up after pulling their first print—it’s almost like magic. Hosting a workshop at CourtX Southsea reminded me how much these spaces matter. It’s not just the craft; it’s the people, the moments where you see them discover something new about themselves. Those moments kept me going, even on the days when “peopling” felt like the hardest thing in the world.
Amplify Their Voices
From April to August, I supported Liz Linfield’s (Ahoydare) at Hotwalls The Round Tower. Art Space’s Mina Amani Art solo exhibition was documented. Documenting Hotwalls Studios shows like Immerse, which featured Charlie Leftley, Annie Flitcroft, and Jo Evans, showed the power of visibility. One mini reel garnered 75k views—proof that shared efforts create momentums. It is a true reminder that collaboration strengthens creative networks.
Challenges and Adaptability
Changes affected AnkleDeep’s workshop space at the Old Pay Office of Portsmouth Historic Dockyards. I experienced an unexpected setback. It reminded me of the importance of adaptability in creative pursuits. It also prompted me to get back in touch with my core values. I enjoyed the people I met and spoke with – and chairing a meeting of understanding for the people in the new Studio. As things developed, I continued to add layers of information. I focused on the knowledge that collaborative creative spaces aid growth. So, I continued to focus on my work.
Talking to the dynamic duo that is Ming Wu and Vlad Cepraga at Imagination Refinery, helped plan a tote bag workshop venture in Gosport. Whilst it didn’t yield uptake, it offered valuable lessons in pricing and audience engagements.
Markets and Quiet Courage
Getting myself out of the house this year was no small feat. Four markets: one in May for BeeKeeping4Hope at Staggeringly Good, then three in November and early December. Every one of them was an exercise in wrestling down my social anxieties. Each one a reminder that even when I’d rather hide, stepping out can be worth it.
November’s Winchester Print Fair brought camaraderie too —being the first fine-art printmaking-specific fair I attended, it felt different. Trading alongside John and Alice Bloor, Katherine Antenney, Rachel Sergison of Frankie Brown Illustrator, and Molly Lemon —was energising. Katherine offered me the last available space. Trading with these printmaking artists, it felt like I was part of something very specific. Catching up with Doug and Nell from the Omega Printmakers was one of those moments that made me smile.
But you know what really made the markets? The visitors. John of WhenWeWereCows and the lovely Laura came to visit – and I couldn’t be happier! In fact, further along the way throughout my having stalls and trading, it always so heartening to have someone I know come over and say hello to me. Robyn visited me in May at BeeKeeping4Hope at Staggeringly Good. Luke and Lou of Mook Loves You and This Is Midge also visited me during the market trades at Portsmouth Creates. They came at Staggeringly Good too. Laura Simpson of I Tell Amelia Art and Charlie Leftley too visited me at Portsmouth Creates, Lauren of Forester Coffee – and it all adds up. Those who go out of their way to come and say hi – they pulled me out of my head, made the days feel less lonely, adds flavour to what I was doing. It’s hard to explain, but every hello, every familiar face, was like a quiet little nudge: “Keep going. You’ve got this.” It adds warmth. And you know – every new interaction this year reminded me how far I’ve come from my hermit days.
Takeaway Lesson: Creativity is better shared. Who might inspire you if you opened your circle just a little more?
When Printmaking = Voice
Another meaningful personal project this year was a hand-carved block, hand-printed on tote bags, which read You Can’t Convince Me It’s Not Genocide. Channelling heartbreak and wailing rage into something tangible, this project supported children in war zones with proceeds from each and every sale. It wasn’t about making a statement – it was all about expressing something far bigger than me.
Key Takeaway: Creativity can extend beyond yourself. What cause could your work support? Your creativity can make a difference. How could your work align with a cause close to your own heart?
Stepping Outside Comfort Zones
May and October brought The Creative Social Southsea, and those two events made me push myself. New printmaking methods, new styles—things I wouldn’t have tried if not for the nudge to show up and take part. Kat Locke’s platform did something special: it took my work and gave it purpose, tying it to charity raffles for local causes. Knowing my art was helping beyond itself—that mattered.
But here’s the thing: none of this was about elitism or special circles. The beauty of these spaces is in their openness. No cliques, no gatekeeping—just people, showing up, sharing what they love. For someone like me, who finds socialising exhausting and often overwhelming, these weren’t moments of networking. They were small acts of courage. Quiet steps toward connection. And in the end, they were worth every ounce of effort.
A Moment to Treasure
And then there was Holly of The Frustrated Creative. She saw my pomegranate design in my sketchbook and, with the help of tattooist Rebekah Anne, turned it into skin art. I laughed, I cried—it was overwhelming in the best way. Seeing my work take on a life like that, so personal, so permanent—it floored me.
And sometimes, joy came from simple experiments—like designing a tote bag that reads Save Water, Drink Veuve Clicquot. Watching Kat Locke cherish this playful design at her The Creative Social Southsea, reminded me that printmaking can also just be fun.
Lesson: Celebrate small wins. What light-hearted creation brought you joy this year?
Finding Balance and Perspective
Travel in September brought fresh inspiration. Berlin Art Week ignited ideas, while time in Hungary gave me space to reflect and reset. Creativity can’t thrive without balance, and stepping away helped me see things more clearly.
Lesson: Sometimes stepping back is the best way forward. Where might you go to refresh your perspective?
POSE 2024: A Community Reignited
The Portsmouth Open Studios Event 2024 (POSE24), held from Friday, October 25th to Sunday, October 27th, was the cornerstone of my Q4 activities. POSE24 was more than an event; it was a celebration of the Southsea art community’s resilience and creativity, marking a fresh beginning after years of pandemic disruptions. Building on the success of the 2023 Southsea Mini Art Trail, this year’s POSE24 saw artists opening their doors, sharing their processes, and connecting with audiences.
I was honoured to host and share my home with three incredibly talented artists: Ali Molloy, Laura Simpson (of I Tell Amelia), and Roo Abrook. Together, we created an atmosphere that was welcoming, inspiring, and full of camaraderie. Approximately 350 visitors came through on Saturday and Sunday. I loved every moment of the energy and joy of collaboration! It reminded me how much I value working alongside others, sharing spaces, and being part of a community woven together by creativity and shared purpose.
POSE24 wasn’t just about showcasing work. It was a return to shared creative spaces where audiences and artists could reconnect and celebrate local talent. It brought colour, texture, and inspiration back into the heart of Portsmouth, and for me, it was a highlight of the year. Cheers to Deb Dodsworth, Gavin Hodgson, Matt Bugeja and Lee (I realise now I don’t have your surname here oh my days) – and Lynn Nicholls, this would not have happened if you weren’t so proactive and progressive in your thinking. Kudos, Lynn.
Pushing Limits With The Sun XIX
October’s big project was The Sun XIX, an A2 reduction lino print that demanded hours of focus, carving, and printing. The physical toll was real—aching and overloaded shoulders and all—but the emotional reward was greater. It reminded me of the strength required to create and the importance of pacing myself.
Point to note: Honour the effort behind your work. How do you manage the balance of effort and care in your practice?
And apropos the Sun … there’s my long-suffering husband. The man who willingly (even when grouchy) hauls crates, sets up stalls, and patiently watches me agonise over displays. He’s my anchor when the winds of “peopling” threaten to tip me overboard. If markets are battles, he’s the ever-reliable quartermaster, keeping the ship steady while I face the crowd. I’m not sure “thank you” ever feels enough—but it’s what I have, and I hope he knows it’s packed with every ounce of gratitude I can muster.
Gallery Highlights: Creative Milestones
I’m proud to share that my original mythology linocut prints of Persephone, Aphrodite Dark, Caput Algol, and Mz. Pinup—are currently hosted at FatClay Pottery’s gallery and studios. Knowing these pieces are displayed in such a creative and inspiring space feels like a milestone in sharing my art with a broader audience. It’s a reminder of the journey so far and the exciting paths still ahead. Thank you Matt and Emily for having me.
In addition, my botanical-inspired original multiblock lino prints are on display at Cafe Fresco within CourtX Southsea. This cozy, vibrant spot provides the perfect backdrop for these works, inviting viewers to experience art in an everyday setting. Knowing they are part of such an accessible and welcoming space makes this milestone even more special.
If you’re near Gunwharf Quays, don’t miss the Aspex Gallery Shop, where a selection of my original linocut prints is also available. Take a stroll through this inspiring gallery, where wonderful art awaits, and perhaps discover something new to take home.
Wrapping Up 2024
Today is Winter Solstice. This draft has been here for three weeks – if not more. As December wraps up, I’m balancing reflection with anticipation for the year ahead. Revisiting older work has been grounding. I have been experimenting with drypoint techniques. I am also planning for a future body of work for a thing in 2025. I am somewhat excited.
Here’s to a 2025 filled with tender courage, gentle connection, and bursts of creativity. Wishing you a Happy Christmas, a peaceful holiday season, and a fulfilling New Year.
Let’s Stay Connected
Looking back, this year has been about stepping out, finding people, and learning through every moment—good or bad. My hope is that sharing this journey sparks something in you, too.
What inspired you this year? What challenges did you face? I’d love to hear your story—let’s connect and celebrate this creative community together.
BTW, if these updates aren’t your thing, no worries at all. Just reply with “No thanks,” and I’ll take you off the list—promise, no hard feelings.
Wishing you a Happy Christmas, a peaceful holiday season, and a creative, fulfilling New Year. Here’s to a tender and soft-hearted 2025, filled with connection, courage, and creativity – for all of us.
Thank you for reading this far.
Onwards, together,
Nusye
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- Grief II: Rupture
Grief II: Rupture – Autoethnographic Reduction Linocut | SouthSeaEyes A year in grief, the sutures have failed. What remains is the plain, unadorned fact of the cleft – open, unresolved, bleeding in a way that does not cease. There is no recovery. A 5-layer reduction linocut documenting bereavement from the inside. Hand-wrought, limited edition of 10. Submitted to PressingMatters Magazine Issue 35, Black & Blue Print Challenge. Grief is not illness – that would imply future recovery. This is the continuation. - Eleven Months In: A Widow’s Poem and Autoethnographic Note – Writing Grief From Inside The Data
Eleven Months In: A Widow’s Poem and Autoethnographic Note — Writing Grief From Inside the Data. A printmaker and widow documents her second poem eleven months after her husband’s death. Written and revised in April 2026, this autoethnographic accompaniment note records the body’s timelagged update — the hands that grip, the abdomen that curls, the 400 thread count cotton that holds temperature for one. No retrospective wisdom. Zero resolution. Primary-source grief, written from inside the data. Published by Nusye McComish – SouthSeaEyes Printmaker. Thursday 2nd April 2026 - Nine Months In
Personal essay of grief writing about waking into loss. For those in traumatic bereavement who find the body remembers before the mind catches up. - First Winter
Field notes from traumatic bereavement: documenting grief’s administrative violence, temporal mechanisms, and survival at 8-9 months post-loss. - Grief on the Body: Embodied Loss and Creative Practice as Record
This essay documents grief as a lived bodily state and considers creative practice not as recovery or remedy, but as record: work made alongside life, under altered conditions.
