In the arts ecosystem, artists are the driving force, without whom there would be no art. Many artists dedicate years to training, and rehearsing, and often engage in unpaid labour to reach where they are. Some willingly take pay cuts for the love of their craft, only to still face unwarranted accusations of greed. Have we considered the hours spent on admin, planning, and rehearsal time, factors that often go unnoticed?

My own journey into the arts began with a programme for young minds unfamiliar with contemporary visual arts. This proves that such initiatives can be transformative. You never know whose creative spark you might ignite, and whether that young participant could end up being the next Steve McQueen!

This month, I've been focusing on one of the most crucial aspects of a creative life: the delicate balance between productivity and rest. While it initially wasn't an intentional choice, but rather a necessity born out of physical exhaustion, it has reminded me of a fundamental lesson that often gets overlooked: rest is not a luxury, but an essential element of a healthy and productive creative process.

In 1985, American artist Annie Lee (1935-2014) created a powerful painting titled "Blue Monday" that perfectly captures the essence of this day. Lee, known for her depictions of African-American life, presents a faceless woman sitting slouched on the edge of her bed, enveloped in a sea of blue. The woman's slumped posture conveys a sense of exhaustion and despair, emotions that many can relate to on Mondays.