The Resilient River of Creativity: A Journey Through i fyny
By i fyny associate Rebecca Wyn Kelly
North Wales, April 2023 Photographed by Abby Poulson
As an emerging artist, my journey through the i fyny programme felt like navigating a river of creativity with its gentle streams and turbulent rapids. This artistic river led me through an ecosystem teeming with like-minded artists, where we negotiated shared expectations and celebrated our individual pursuits. Throughout this transformative experience, failure, represented by the river's rapids, emerged as an unexpected yet essential guide. The fear of failure, so persistent in society, seemed like a drought threatening to dry up the well of unique artistic expressions and voices. The pressure to conform and achieve recognition endangered the authenticity and diversity of our artistic visions. But, by shifting our perspective on failure, we could become like river keepers, protecting these creative habitats, and fostering a more supportive space for artists and creators.
Simon Whitehead studio visit - photography by Winnie Finesse
During my time in the program, I encountered a unique opportunity to prioritise exploration over productivity, allowing me to develop a deep trust in the discovery process. Instead of fixating solely on outcomes, I immersed myself in creative exploration, granting myself the freedom to experiment without the weight of immediate results. This newfound awareness welcomed curiosity and openness, enriching my creative expressions beyond measure. The river's currents invited me to venture into the uncharted, forging new deltas in my artistic journey. The program's philosophy encouraged and nurtured individual pursuits, emphasising that authenticity is the very soul of artistry. Embracing failure as an inevitable part of my artistic identity allowed me to wholeheartedly embrace my distinct creative voice, propelling me along the path that resonated most deeply with me. In this supportive environment, I found solace in knowing that my journey was my own, and each obstacle became a steppingstone towards realising my artistic vision.
The opportunities and invitations offered to the associates created meeting points where different artistic streams converged and flowed together, sparking inspiration, and expanding creative horizons. Like the confluence of rivers, where diverse waters merge, we shared our experiences and struggles, forming a supportive environment where we freely expressed ourselves without fear of judgment. The feedback from peers and mentors became a constant stream of insights and wisdom, nourishing our artistic growth. The collective experience of navigating the creative journey together created an eddy of resilience, propelling us forward even amidst failures and setbacks. Like a river's flow persisting through obstacles, the support system within the cohort motivated us to persevere and continue our artistic exploration.
Moreover, the associates served as a network of tributaries, connecting us to new opportunities and collaborations. This network opened doors to diverse artistic landscapes, enabling us to explore and grow in our creative pursuits. Admittedly, the rapids of shared expectations within the art program occasionally caused my individual intentions to collide with the reality of collaborative work. Amidst these divided encounters that seemed daunting initially, a profound transformation awaited on the other side of discouragement. As I grappled with the challenges of collaborative work, I realised that these moments of discord were not obstacles to my artistic growth but opportunities for profound learning and personal development. Instead of retreating from the discomfort, I allowed myself to be vulnerable, recognising that this vulnerability was a crucial part of the artistic journey. Through this process of self-reflection and openness, I discovered that embracing failure and challenges within collaboration led to personal growth and fostered a deeper sense of connection and understanding with my fellow associates. We were no longer individual entities striving for recognition, but a cohesive unit, supporting each other in our artistic pursuit. I discovered a different perspective within this nurturing and supportive artistic ecosystem. The prospect of critical collective consciousness became empowering and holistic. Embracing failure meant embracing fragility. Here, failure was not a signal to surrender but an opportunity to refine and grow. We learned that resilience comes not from avoiding conflict but from embracing it as an inherent part of collaborative growth.
i fyny associates, launch night January 2023 Photography by Heather Birnie
Reflecting on my journey through the art program, I am immensely grateful for the river of creativity that carried me along its currents. Embracing the rapids of failure has been the key to my growth as an artist, guiding me towards success in my art practice in ways I never imagined. By celebrating the courage and resilience required to navigate the unpredictable landscapes of creativity, we can foster an environment that encourages experimentation, exploration, and the preservation of distinct artistic voices. As conservation efforts protect and revive endangered river ecosystems, embracing failure can be the key to preserving the richness and beauty of creative expression in our society. This collective effort will contribute to a sustainable and diverse artistic landscape that reflects the intricate and harmonious interplay in our planet's most cherished and protected river sanctuaries.
Journal entry by Rebecca Wyn Kelly