INSPIRE: The Road Less Travelled...Anna Wilson-Patterson

In our first interview of 2011 in our continuing Road Less Travelled... series of interviews with inspiring people who have chosen to give up their day job and follow their creative dreams,we are delighted to introduce Anna Wilson-Patterson of Artshut.

Give a brief description of your career path up until now.
After graduating with a degree in the History of Design and a Post Graduate Art teacher-training certificate I returned home to the South Wales coast in search of teaching posts. I found none - so worked in a perfume factory. A few months later college friends moved to Brighton and I joined them, having found a job managing a Latin American Craft and Culture Centre. Later I worked for the Local Authority as a Playworker and later still a Community Worker on a housing estate.

In 1999 my job was to involve communities in urban regeneration projects across Brighton and Hove. Seven years on I had led the creation of a Forum with a membership of 642 charities and groups, been promoted to its Chief Officer, managed five staff members and a large budget. I wore suits, sat on committees and spoke at national conferences.

What prompted you to pursue a creative career?
I was exhausted from the long hours, endless committee meetings, competitive funding environment and politics with a very small ‘p’. When a work colleague was diagnosed with cancer and died within the year, I knew I needed to use my creative skills or spend my old age in regret.

What was the most difficult thing about this decision? And what was the easiest?
The most difficult thing was the uncertainty of deciding to work as an ‘artist’, notably the reality of not having a secure monthly income. Since the age of 14 I had always some form of ‘proper’ job. The plan to have a few months off, find premises for my husband and I that would include our home and studios and open a gallery seemed an extraordinary idea. I saved for a year before I made the big leap. The easiest thing about the decision was to leave a job I no longer enjoyed.

How supportive of your decision were your family, friends and (former) colleagues?
My husband encouraged me to hold Open Studio exhibitions in our garage whilst I was still working full time and remains my biggest supporter, both practically and financially. Some of my colleagues made positive noises and admired by ‘brave’ decision, others thought it was reckless and odd given my comfortable salary.

How has pursuing a creative career been compared with your previous career? What are the challenges, and what are the highlights?
My creative career gives me back control: over the people I work with, my place of work, hours, values and future direction. I listen carefully to my customers’ requests and sometimes work to commission, but I relish not having my ideas diluted by committees. I plan a programme each year and also get invited to exhibit at events with others. The challenges are financial. Moving to a rural community meant larger premises and lower business rates, however a small footfall means a lot more time spent on marketing. The highlights include creating paintings and prints that people enjoy, showing the work of 70 local artists to date and achieving positive press coverage.

Have you had any regrets about choosing a creative career?
As a rule I try not to store up regrets, but learn from mistakes and move on. I spent money on advertising, which would have been better spent on products such as my greeting card range. I also bought a few expensive items for display that haven’t worked. For example our elegant hand moulded gold frame hanging in the window brings in customers wanting framing services, which we don’t provide! To me these are learning points, so no I don’t have any regrets.

What has been the best thing about your decision to pursue a creative career?
Since I was very young art has been my only constant fascination. So finally I am involved in a world that I find inspirational, enjoyable and challenging.

If you could give one piece of advice to someone considering taking up a creative career, what would that be?
Do your homework. Network, see and read about what other people are doing before you take a big leap. I continue to spend time visiting other artists open studios and reading blogs, articles and watching TV programmes like Mary Portas.

What are your plans for the future?
More press coverage to increase visitor numbers to Arts Hut Shows.
Also for my paintings and prints to be available at more shops and Galleries.

For more information about Anna Wilson-Patterson and Artshut, please visit:

• www.artshut.com
• www.annawilsonpatterson.com