An Accidental Discovery
I used to be a parcel courier. I got up each morning at 6:30am, did my shift then went home again. I drove many miles and delivered many parcels. It just about paid the bills but I wanted to make a change.
I knew I couldn’t do this all my life but I was struggling to find a way out, I was just caught in the endless cycle of it all. Up until this point in my history I was a slave to the world around me.
It began on July 7th 2007 where I used to help run a ladies self-defence class with my school of martial arts. I was the human punchbag, spending most Saturday’s getting bruised, battered and thrown to the floor.
And I enjoyed every second of it.
One day though, the lady black-belts decided that the following week we should all stop, get in touch with the gentler side of ourselves and use our lesson to paint instead.
That £20 of materials was translated into the most profound five hours of my life. The turning point. The day it all began. I painted a pile of crap I know, but that’s missing the point.
I LOVED it.
Up until then I had never so much as taken a pencil in hand. Never drawn, never sketched and certainly never painted. I’d had a mild interest in the visual arts but it was never strong enough for me to go to a gallery or pick up a book.
I had no idea what any of the mediums were, what they did or how colour worked. I knew absolutely nothing about any of it. Absolutely bugger all.
At aged 38 I discovered I liked to paint; but it would take another 5 and a half years before I thought of myself as an artist. The rest is history…
Working my ass off
You spend 12 hours a day working to make ends meet. You have to feed yourself, shop, do laundry and fit in some time to sleep. So how do you begin to teach yourself to paint? For me the key to learning was time. And to find as much of it as I could.
I used to get home at around 6:30pm, cook my evening meal, shower and tidy up. Then I would put on some old clothes and head off to my spare bedroom to paint.
I spend the hours learning about acrylic paint – all by trial and error. I saved enough to buy a canvas and I moved the paint around. I tried to learn about what worked and what didn’t. I threw almost everything away. I spent all the spare money I had. But I wasn’t getting anywhere.
When I realised I needed more materials I took up a part-time job in a bar. It gave me a little extra income but cut down my time for practice to a few evenings and the weekends.
Every weekend I studied, practiced and learned as much as I could. My work was awful. Grey sludge with no thought. I never went out for a drink, couldn’t afford to eat out and at one point didn’t even have a car. I had to cycle everywhere and even that was borrowed!
No money, no car, no life.
But still I kept going.
I never put anything up for sale so never sold anything. This went on for years until I realised that if I was ever going to sell anything I needed to use the internet.
And I thought to myself ‘If I can make a good enough website I can sell my work’. A simple enough concept but the delivery was to be anything but. My first site was appalling, I mean, really, really bad. I gave myself a Mexican looking brand too, what was I thinking? I chose the name Swarez after a dear friend called me that one day, I didn’t take it too seriously (and still don’t). It stuck and has remained ever since.
So now, alongside the endless painting practice I found myself knee deep in learning HTML and PHP programming. My friend offered me a job as a web designer off the back of me telling him I could make a difference to his welding supplies business and that I could build websites (which I couldn’t). He listened, he took a chance and I gave up delivering parcels.
He stuck his neck out for me so I had to deliver. I basically blagged my way into a job I couldn’t do – anything to get away from driving a van.
My knowledge of how Google worked, and all the technical things that came with that, was awful, but I knew I had to learn – and fast. I began studying Search Engine Optimization along with everything else (I was also training for my Black Belt in Karate for over 18 months too).
I survived on four hours sleep a night, it was all I could spare. I refused to think about going to a gallery with my work – I was too naive to understand how it all worked anyway so I ignored it.
My friend told me they took 50% of your money too; you can imagine what my reaction was to that? Besides my work was still appalling.
And still I didn’t sell anything. History just kept repeating itself…
Persistence and discipline
So I worked. Hard.
Day in, day out for five and a half years.
In that time I gave away my work, I recycled it, I decommissioned and recommissioned paintings I had done. I painted over some and threw most in the bin.
I kept spending any spare or saved money on materials and, through much searching, managed to find some space to work in that wasn’t a shed in the garden or the bedroom I slept in. A small studio space to put all my stuff into. It was cold, had holes in the roof and pigeons nesting.
But at last I felt I was on to something. It took three years to get this far. It was at this point I discovered enamel paint.
Right from the start I was determined to do this alone. I never really thought to ask anyone for help to be honest because I didn’t know what questions to ask.
No tutors or college courses, no representation from galleries, no one to build my website, no one to teach me how to market myself, no experience of branding and no idea how to turn what was in my head into something someone would want to own.
These are the things I had to discover for myself – simply by trial and error. One painful mistake after another. Where others around me had a life I chose to focus everything on learning my craft. I lost friends because of that.
Paying the price
This is a tough gig at times but sacrifices had to be made. Perhaps I chose a very hard way to do things but I’m stubborn and belligerent and a nightmare to myself. Perhaps also my own worst enemy, but it’s the only way I know.
I painted furiously and often in a state of mania. The forms and colours would swell in my head until I couldn’t keep them in any longer. That made for some epic painting sessions. From the word go I had the desire to paint large paintings; can’t explain why I just felt I needed to go big to make them worthy of the effort that went in to them.
The ones I loved I kept. I carried on learning about website design, SEO and eCommerce through my day job and took that into the evenings where I could try things on my own site. I had some improvements but usually followed by catastrophic errors.
All the time though, every day, I made myself learn something new. It was, and still is, normal to finish work at 1am.
I borrowed equipment and persuaded people to lend me things I couldn’t afford. I got a mezzanine floor in my friend’s warehouse to use and this, in early 2011, was the breakthrough I needed. Here I could at least keep warm and dry.
I could make a proper mess if I wanted to and I was close to work and home. But it was hard, relentless graft.
Night after night.
Weekend after weekend.
Believing in Yourself
After another two years I found myself with a choice to make. Stay in the comfortable job with a good salary (and carry on just for fun) or take the gamble and quit. How far could this actually go?
From the start I had funded everything out of my wages but by now I was living on the breadline. Broke. I had no savings, no-one to borrow off and nothing to borrow against.
Painting had become like a drug and one that needed more and more input; nothing was ever good enough and I became frustrated that I wasn’t making the most of my opportunities. My only viable option was to resign from my day job and start my own art business.
Essentially just to go for it and hope for the best. I had to dedicate myself to this with everything I had. I once heard that fear is temporary but regret lasts a lifetime. Easy decision really.
I had enough money to last two months – bit of a problem as I was committed to a lease on my studio for three years. But I took the gamble. On a positive note though I had a usable inventory of paintings, quite a lot in fact. Probably at least a hundred I’d accumulated over the years, and decent ones at that.
It was important to start off strong by offering the widest choice I could. My business plan was essentially built on a little faith and a lot of hope.
March 4th 2013. Swarez was now a Limited Company. It had taken nearly six years to get to a point where I believed in what I was doing sufficiently enough to make it into a business. I’d done the best I could do with my website (the only place anyone would be able to find me), the best I could do with my paintings and the best I could do with my time. I now finally thought of myself as an artist.
With no enquiries, little money and no income I sat for two weeks in a severe state of panic. Then I got an email from a guy in Dubai who saw my website. Then I got approached by an ad agency for an ad campaign with Unilever. Then the really hard work began.
The Stroud Studio: 09.02.2013
“It’s not the amount of brick walls you encounter that matters – it’s how many you choose to break down that counts”
Let me know what you think
I’m proud of my roots, my work ethic and where I came from.
If you have thoughts on this or indeed would like to share your own journey please leave a message below. Thanks.
Dear Ed,
I LOVED reading about your becoming full time artist.
I am also an artist but Senior artist 75 years young, LOL.
You are an INSPIRATION to No CONFIDENCE artist like myself.
I am extreme realist artist interested in Hyperrealism, but, I Love ALL Art and I firmly believe that all artists have something to say with their art.
I am crazy cat lady and cat artist in that order, I love drawing and painting cats ALL cats big and small.
I work in all mediums from pencil on paper to oil on canvas.
I LOVE watching your YouTube channel, I am learning so much by just watching you on YouTube, you are AMAZING..
Thank you for the inspiration.
Cheers from, Lilly and Cat xxxxx
PS: I have only Instagram as a website to show my art.
lill3900
Lilly Anoneavic
Hi Ed. I’ve been painting for three years. And I now finally consider myself an artist. Although I am now 74 years old, I realize you have to start somewhere and that sometime. I no longer have the energy of a young man.
I love to paint and I am an abstract artist. I have sold many of my paintings and the people who have bought them encourage me by all means to keep painting.
Here’s my question. I would like to start an Internet page. But I have no idea how to do it. Any suggestions?
Larry from Panama City, Florida.
PS I am a retired teacher after 35 years in the classroom, I decided that’s enough for anyone.
It’s a bi topic Larry and not one that can be covered in a reply here. You can search the internet for quick and easy ways to do that. Many companies will make things very easy. Try looking fr ‘easy website builder’ and see what you come up with. You may have to do a little research and some learnig before yo dive in but it’s all doable. Hope that helps. Ed
Ed, one of your videos appeared on my YouTube feed yesterday–a gift from the universe! Hence my being on your website.
Thank you for your extreme honesty in telling your story. It was exactly what I needed to hear at this stage in my own journey. You are right–we all go through times of darkness and searching, and that is where I am now.
I was especially encouraged to learn that you had no art training. I don’t either, and thought it could be a roadblock to being taken seriously. But a best friend who did go to the Ontario College of Art in Toronto keeps encouraging me and telling me that some (!) of my work is decidedly good, even brilliant. He’s also blunt about when it isn’t, which is also helpful.
Anyway, thank your for your story.
Blessings from Rod in Ottawa
Thanks Rod – great to hear and I’m delighted that you found some of my musings relatable. Wishing you well in your journey and a big welcome to the Swarez family!
What is your most famous art peice
Hi Spencer. Not sure I can give an accurate answer to that but the one I hope to get the most attention from is the replica I did of Jackson Pollock’s Blue Poles: https://swarezart.com/art-projects/blue-poles-recreating-a-pollock-painting/
I discovered you a few days ago on YouTube n I must say your work is simply amazing…
I hope one-day I’ll create something amazing like you….
Thank you for being such a great inspiration
PS You are an amazing writer as well…
Thank you so much – that is very kind of you!
Ed. I first caught your work on YouTube a few month’s ago. Your background story on this site blew me away and now everything makes clearer sense to me why your paintings are so amazing. All the blood sweat and tears you put in over the years now flow out in each and every one of your paintings as what can only be described as pure LOVE! I find myself literally just staring at many of your works and experiencing an overwhelming feeling of joy and comfort. Being an engineer and part time artist myself, your abstract work strikes me as the perfect balance between order and non-order, if that makes any sense. I am at the point now that I am seriously considering buying one of your masterpieces. I just can’t figure out which one ! Just amazing where you started and now these beautiful creations that you continue bringing into the world. May you always have the passion Ed.
Thank you so much Rob! WOW! I really appreciate your words and thank you for taking the time and trouvle to get in touch – you should definitely come and visit us one day!!! Stay in touch! – Cheers, Ed
Very inspiring story, thank you! It is a pity that there is no continuation, it was so interesting to read about your path. And what happened next?
Your experience is truly inspiring and provides answers to many questions. Thank you and wish you the best of luck!
Thanks Elina – the ‘what happened next’ is still happening – I became a full time artist and have stayed that way since 2013. If you want to see how far we have come check out the weekly vlogs on my YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzXVFx8sR-fKHlfTwAnuHEXr-Ql7o3CK1 Cheers, Ed
Buenas tardes… Me encanta tu trabajo, pero me gustaría saber que tipo de pinturas utilizas.. Un saludo
¡Hola! Utilizo pinturas de esmalte que he hecho para mí. Puede obtener más información sobre ellos aquí: http://swarezart.com/using-enamel-paints/
Ed – Found your YT channel and have been obsessed with it. I really like how you have created and communicated your business values and approach. It’s refreshing to see you have the passion and work ethic to have your dream career. Congrats. I’ll keep watching and being inspired. Being in my mid 40s, I’m a serial hobbyist that is looking for his next career path. Right now I’m in love with painting and wood working. Bob ross style landscape art and abstracts are my favorite genre to create. Cheers.
Thanks Justin – I really appreciate the time you’ve taken to drop me a line. Thanks for supporting the channel and for your kind words. Obviously I wish you all the best in your creative pursuits and look forward to seeing them someday! Cheers. Ed
Ed;
I came across your YouTube channel quite by accident but you have quickly become one of my most favorite abstractionists! I love the color and the flow of your works and can’t wait for each installment on your channel.
Keep producing your elegant and colorful masterpieces!!!
Thank you so much Lynn – I really appreciate your comments! Thank you
Hi Ed,
I came across your work by accident, I watched your video on how to ship artwork abroad, which was really great, thank you. Your work is supherb, the effects you achieve are amazing.
Thanks very much katy – I really appreciate that and glad you found the video helpful!
Hi Ed
Would like to say your work is Class A.
And your advice is spot on and candid to which has been really helpful. only took up painting again in 2015 (after been suspended from work for week)
i can relate to doing shit jobs, so all the best enjoy the live feeds.
All the best with future endeavours
Cheers
Mark
Thank you so much Mark – that’s really kind of you! :)
Hi Ed
Just a question the water based enamel paint that you use. Which company provides that paint.
Plus can you use water base car paint?
Thanks
Mark
Hi Ed
Would like to say your work is Class A.
And your advice is spot on and candid to which has been really helpful. only took up painting again in 2015 (after been suspended from work for week)
i can relate to doing shit jobs, so all the best enjoy the live feeds. Plus all the other videos you have done has been great and informative
All the best with future endeavours
Cheers
Mark
Dear ED,
Today I read your amazing story for the first time, your journey is a real inspiration to me, like you I am a self-taught artist, never studied art, but I kept drawing and painting over the years more than a therapy, I have been working as a full-time therapist with people with mental disabilities and their families as a counselor. Now after 45 years of working in the helping profession, I would like to. Continue to paint full-time and I hope I can make it, I will continue to follow you for guidance. Thank you, my friend.
Regards,
Manohar.M.R
Thank you very much!!
Hi Ed, recently discovered your YouTube channel which inturn brought me to your website. Serendipity is the word that springs to mind, I was also delivering parcels up until around 5 years ago, and still driving a van for a living now. I see you’re also just up the road in Stroud.
I’m still in the very early stages of making the transition. I’m a wood sculptor, working mainly in my back garden until now. Currently in the process of creating my studio having made the decision that it’s time to take action and get serious about making this happen. I still have the nagging thoughts that I’m delusional, that nobody will want to buy my work, that I’m never going to be good enough etc etc etc…and maybe I am. But I also figure that I’ll never know if I don’t try. Reading your story this morning has given me a hugely positive mental boost, and at just the right time. Looking forward to watching more of your videos and putting your advice into action.
Cheers!!
Hi Wayne, thanks for commenting and sharing your story; I am sure you’ll be very successful and I wish you well in your creative endeavours!!!
Hello Ed,
Thank you for sharing your back story.
It feels good to read about someone who is driven and passionate, to the point and not full of the usual arty farty hot air.
I have watched a number of your videos (and of course that’s how I ended up here eventually) and I find them really informative and inspiring. You talk about consistency and relentlessly keeping at it, and of course these are the key to it all. But, you cannot underestimate one particular gift you very clearly possess: the gift of the gab. You are clearly a great salesman, a gifted speaker and fantastic at getting people involved and interested through your communication skills. It’s something which I have not heard you mention yet. If you weren’t such an engaging person, I would not have continued watching the first video and I definitely wouldn’t have watched any subsequent ones.
I’m glad I did though. I’m 48, and just like yourself and so many others, I have worked my arse off, doing just about everything, except chasing that lifelong dream. I’ve been wanting to be an artist ever since I was big enough to hold a pencil, but I was severely discouraged by my parents as a start. And then life went it’s way, bringing along kids who depend upon you, and all the other usual things which stop a person from taking such a risky leap. Now, I’m finally at that point where I am free from financial responsibilities except those towards myself so I am finally going fof it with all my heart. However, I’m often gripped by the fear of being too late, having missed the boat. And that’s actually another extremely valuable thing I’m taking away from your story. It is not too late. You only discovered painting at 38 and were into your 40’s as well when you took that leap. You also don’t hold any degree in anything, but you seem to be someone who just dares and goes for it. So I reckon that if I can successfully work as a mechanical design engineer, develop something which a huge worldwide company took a patent on, also without any degree in anything, I too can be an artist. Thank you so much for sharing your story so openly. I wish you further and greater success, you definitely deserve it!
Kind regards,
Cindy
Hi Cindy, thank you for sharing your story – it’s great to hear you are following your passions and I wish you all the success it will bring! Ed
How small the world has become because of the internet.
Hi Ed! I am more than ever grateful to have landed on one of your YouTube video (10 tips for artists on marketing); which directed me here (to your website). Today, the entire day, all I was doing is to search for tips on promoting myself being an artist. And somehow, all the artist’s bio popped the terms “BFA” and “MFA”. Which made me thought, that do I really have to pursue a degree in Arts for me to be out there in the world with my paintings?
But, am so glad. That at the far end of this day, I get o read your story. Which is not only inspiring but driving and moving. Clearly, persistence and discipline are the two degrees I have to put myself in and nothing more. So very thankful, that I found a mentor in you (never in my life I had one). Sir, you made this space a hub for me to keep calm and carry on.
God bless you, more peace and happiness and prosperity to you.
Love and well wishes from India.
Hi Tara, thank you for your very kind words and generous feedback. I am very flattered by them! Ed
Hi Ed I am doing erase arch for school I am 9 years old. I really like your art work because it is unique, Very very colourful.Anyway I need to know how old you are for my fact file about you.
Thanks,
Jeevan
Hi Jeevan – I was born in 1969 so you can work out the rest! Thanks for your kind words and good luck with your fact file – I am very flattered!
I really enjoyed your story, very inspirational. I’m a graphic artist with 20 years in the industry. I always wanted to be on my own and be able to express my self feely through art and make a living with it. I started painting about two years ago and was able to sell a couple of drawings and a painting, but getting in front of the right audience is hard. The only thing in my mind is to produce as much art as I can. A would appreciate is you would review my website. Thank you again for sharing your story.
Henry
Hi Henry. I’m afraid I don’t do site reviews. Whilst I am sure you would very much appreciate it I don’t have the time or resources to dedicate to analyzing and reporting back with where you are at and what you need to do to your website. And I am sure you can also understand that there is an industry built around exactly that so it may be wise to look for a professional to fully audit your site. Of course that will cost money but it could be beneficial moving forward. I don’t do that because I learn and implement everything myself – which is your other option of course. Put the time and energy behind it like I have done and still do. Hope that helps. Cheers. Ed
Hi Ed, I am so much impressed reading your journey. It truly provides inspiration and strengths to others. Your struggled story truly proves that if you trust yourself and your abilities, you can achieve anything in life. You are a true example of that. And yes one thing you said is fear is temporary and regret is lifelong. We should really understand this point in life. Of course, you are one of the best artist, but apart from artist, you are very true, and kind hearted person and that’s what makes you even more special. I love to watch your videos and learn lot of things out of them. They are truly inspirational. I am very very thankful to you. God bless you forever.
Thank you so much for your wonderful reply! I am truly grateful! Ed
I feel like I have found you at just the perfect time! I have, for the last couple of weeks, been on the edge of a decision that needs to happen. Go for it..or quit.
This art form is a passion for me, I eat, sleep, work, dream etc painting. Its in my every thought!
Your story is very inspirational, your artwork blows me away! From the moment I finished my first painting I knew I wanted to go big, very big! I just dont have the space to go that big, or rather, the drying space. Maybe finding you has been the sign Ive been waiting for?? Who knows, but Im so glad Ive found you and am loving watching all your youtube videos. Thanks for letting us join you in your creation space. Jade from Australia.
Thank you so much Jade – that’s really kind of you! Wishing you well! You got this!!!
I feel like I have found you at just the perfect time! I have, for the last couple of weeks, been on the edge of a decision that needs to happen. Go for it..or quit.
This art form is a passion for me, I eat, sleep, work, dream etc painting. Its in my every thought!
Your story is very inspirational, your artwork blows me away! From the moment I finished my first painting I knew I wanted to go big, very big! I just dont have the space to go that big, or rather, the drying space. Maybe finding you has been the sign Ive been waiting for?? Who knows, but Im so glad Ive found you and am loving watching all your youtube videos. Thanks for letting us join you in your creation space.
Amazing story!!! Excellent work. Such a huge inspiration to us “self-taught” artists. Although I dont quite consider myself an artist YET, I am.more comfortable with hobbyist. But I have big dreams and soooo much ideas and seeing what you are doing and how you do it really adds fuel to the fire. Thank you!!!! I am so happy to have found you and will be following your story and journey from here on.
Francesca from New Zealand.
Thank you so much Francesca – that’s really kind of you to share such generous thoughts. Many thanks. Ed
Hello Ed,
I’ve mentioned this before and would like to mention it time and again, You have been my greatest inspiration in life, I too have been doing something for 20 long years that I’ve never ever enjoyed at all, I always hated working under someone but I never had much of a choice , it all started off with doing a small time salesman job for living and my pocket money and then shifting to working for an IT firm / BPO jobs, I was always passionate about abstract art but never somehow could make up my mind in following my dreams and passions, after 20 long years of time working for all the best MNC’s possible I’ve finally reached a point of frustration that I am not able to handle it anymore myself, I am on a verge of giving up on things that have frustrated me so far and finally have started to work towards my dream of being an abstract artist, I have started to seriously work towards my goals on an everyday basis and keeping a vision to reach there through time and my best efforts, I am also very passionate about teaching art and that’s also something that I would look at getting into at a later stage once my dream of being an successful abstract artist comes true,
I’d like to thank you for being a great mentor and support to all the aspiring and upcoming abstract artist…
God Bless & All the best to you in life.
Thank you so much Sachin, that’s such a wonderful set of thoughts and i am truly grateful for them. Wishing you well in your journey!
I just discovered you and your work very recently and you have become an inspiration to me. I lost my Corporate HR job (that I hated) during the Covid-19 pandemic, so I am taking this time to reinvent myself by throwing myself into my craft. I have always painted and drawn, I studied fine art in college and have mostly created works that were based on realism and surrealism, however, I am now creating works that are abstract (and it is liberating). I have a pretty rough life story and abstract work has totally helped me loosen up and really just take some frustrations out on a canvas, simply put this is therapy for me. I am watching your videos and have decided to follow your advice, I have already started working with someone (who knows what they are doing) in creating a website for my work! I hope to have it up and running within the next week or 2! Thank you for all of the GREAT advice you give in your videos, you really have given someone like me the confidence to just go for it! Once I have my site up, I would love your opinion, the site will be(again, give it a week or 2).
Thanks Heather! I am wishing you well on your journey. Sounds like you are making great progress – good on you!
Hi Mr Swarez,
I wanted to reply on Youtube to your views on competitions and agree with you entirely and thank you for saving me lots of money! I will no longer try competitions. You are such an inspiration. I just love your artwork and your character which is so giving and not trying to put other artists down. i appreciate your approach and kindness. June and a hug for being there for us artists.
Ah thanks June – thsat’s really kind of you and I very much appreciate it! Thank you :)
Hi Ed
So happy to have come across your YouTube videos which led me to your unique and splendid website.
Your story has really inspired me, that, I’m on the right path to fulfil my dreams (if I keep pushing on).
Massive thanks and keep up the awesome work.
Cheers
Robert
http://www.Instagram.com/Robert_Badu_artist
Thank you Robert – that’s extremely kind of you!
Hi Ed
Just read your bio again truly inspirational, your passion for art and the creativity inside you that you wanted to express took you through the tiredness and long hours of your job , through the lack of money the lack of time through frustration, you learnt your self through pure desire to create a true inspiration.
To me you are my mentor I’m sitting in my bedsit away from home painting your story as inspired me to find the time to paint to use my creativity and passion like you I’m up at five on the road for six laying tarmac all day but I’ll get back to my digs are home and I’m going to paint I’m going to learn , your YouTube videos are my university my lectures.
Thank you so much for your videos iv toured your studio many times now on YouTube.
Your paintings express your passion your humbleness and honesty and your desire to help and teach those of us who want to paint your art is amazing it pulls you in the colours captive you open the imagination.
Thanks Ed.
Ken
Wow Ken – I am genuinely moved by what you just said. Me and Ady always aid we wanted ot change people’s lives someday – I really hope we can conitnue to be honest, genuine and strip away the bullshit so that we can all get on and o the things we want to do and do them with pride and success. Good for you Ken – it is you who’s the inspiration here!!! Thank you for the amazing feedback :)
Ha ha… no website yet….but after watching your videos….wow im inspired…..ive felt that i have put off creating most of my life.. ill paint when i can afford, when kids are older, ill paint whe they finish uni, I’ll paint when they leave home (most stayed untill late 20’s , then we moved country to live, and start a different type of business for 10 years, all kids returned to uk then I thought now I can start the art, then our darling daughter died leaving a 3.5 yr old and a 1 yr old, my husband and I returned to uk, lost our business and moved in with our son in law and looked after the children full time until they both went to school full time (4 years) I have been so heartbroken that I’ve found it hard to concentrate on art… but after watching your videos. IM INSPIRED ….THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU FOR PICKING ME UP FROM THE DEPTHS…XXX🙏🙏❤
Oh Dawn that’s so lovely to hear – thank you so much for sharing this with me. So glad to have helped a little.
I am so glad that I stumbled across your YouTube channel! I’ve been a working artist for over 30 years, having built a successful tattoo career and a moderately, equally successful freelance illustration career. But my 1st love has always been painting, ever since I was forced to leave art school because of, well, life. Three years ago I decided to start actively pursuing it and it has been a struggle to find the right formula to start selling consistently. Your story is a true inspiration and your straight-forward, “this is the reality of it” approach to your videos has been extremely refreshing and helpful in starting to turn a corner and stop being fearful of success and the pitfalls that come with it. Thank you, so very much. Keep on, keepin’ on!
Thank you so much Shawn – I really appreciate that. Good luck in all that you do – Ed
Thoroughly enjoyed your “about me” story and videos, inspirational. I’ve painted for most of my life , sold some and believe I have “some skill” ( see fb Malcome Collins fine art) I’m taking your advise on selling. Best wishes
Thank you so much Malcome!
Hey there Swarez,
Youtube recently recommended one of your videos to me and I started watching all of them. Once I heard you mention your website I decided to check it out.
I’m currently on a pathway that sort of echos yours in a number of ways so it was a real pleasure to read your story and challenges. I do have some web development experience and am already hard at work on my website. I’m going at it in a slightly different way but intend to build up traffic and gain a potential market for my art in a variety of ways.
One thing that struck me as an interesting coincidence though was your recommendation of trying to get at least 100 paintings in your collection before you start selling. I honestly set my sights on that number perhaps a month or two ago, well before I ever heard you or anyone else say it. In fact, you’re the only artist I have come across thus far to recommending such a threshold.
For me, it just was an arbitrary number I choose thinking that once I have at least a hundred paintings in my collection that I am satisfied with and happy with then I could call myself an artist and start trying to sell my art.
I’m thinking about potentially starting some sort of artist interviews section on my website and am very inspired by your story and your work. I was wondering if perhaps you may be interested? It is not something set in stone yet, just a consideration at this point. It would be helpful to know if you would be interested in something like that.
Hi Marc
Sure – I would be up for that. Sounds like a really good idea.
I appreciate you taking the time to write about the videos you’ve seen; I am delighted that one or two things have resonated with you.
Wishing you luck in your journey and thank you for commenting.
let me know when you get the interviews up and running!
Cheers
Ed
Will do Ed! Keep up the great inspiring work and def keep doing those videos if you can! I will try to be in touch through your contact page in the next few weeks once I have a game plan put together.
Hi Ed, I just finished watching your Ask The Artist videos, nice work. I am very envious of your studio, life goals indeed. I too started painting on a whim, after watching a youtube watercolor video 2 1/2 years ago. I’ve moved on to acrylics, mostly abstract. I am not the patient kind and want success now, which is very difficult. I’ve joined some art organizations and small galleries, and have sold roughly $1200 CND of pieces through those and friends. which I shouldn’t complain about. I paint in a small 10’x10′ room in my basement so my canvases can’t be too big yet, someday I’d like to upgrade, but i’m barely covering material costs right now. I’d love a follow back on instagram if you find me worthy, https://www.instagram.com/marcmakesart/
Thanks, keep up the great work
Thank you so much Marc – amazing feedback and really really appreciated! Thanks. Ed.
Hey Ed,
How are you? My name is Steven and I am a contemporary and rustic wood artist / sculptor, and am too in the UK, Scotland..
I just read your story and how the world is small , it sounds just like what I am goring through now…Working 9-5, no money you know the score..and just doing this alone and very little money to make your dream become a reality is hard, but you learn massively…I am just about to launch my website, so almost there. Before I sign off, I just want to congratulate you on your success, it’s true, hardwork pays off….
Wow! Thank you so much Steven – really appreciate your most excellent feedback! That really does make it all worthwhile. I’m glad you can relate to some of things I mentioned – and of course i wish you the very best in your journey to come! Cheers, Ed.
Hi Ed,
Just came across you on youtube and love your openness with your story. 5 minutes of listening to you speak about your journey has given me so much inspiration and direction, just starting the hard grind myself and so happy to see I’m not alone in this! your work is really interesting and excited to see where you go from here! Best of luck in the future, I will definitely stop by next time I’m around!
Emily
Thank you so much Emily! :)
Awesome! Good for you.
I love your energy and passion – it comes through in your work.
I work with resin paint – I think you would enjoy it. Not so toxic and still loads of fun to be had.
Keep it up and I look forward to seeing how things progress.
Stay fearless,
Becky x
Thank you so much Becky – most kind of you!
Wow wow I just don’t know what to say I love your work I love huge art and am always searching for contemporary abstract pieces. I can’t afford to buy but you inspire me. Hopefully I will eventually be able to break out of my mould and go into art which has always interested me.
Thank you so much! That’s very kind of you. :)
Your website and your story is just so inspirational!!!! (My website looks like a word document- ahhhhhh). I’m from New Zealand but travel to the Uk yearly – next time around, your gallery is on my list of things to see for sure!!! Would love to see your art in person ?
A
Thank you so much Lisa – such wonderful and generous words. Yes please, do comer say hello when you can – it would be my pleasure to welcome you to the gallery and studios. Cheers, Ed.
I just discovered you today, and so glad I stopped by!
Thank you so much Kim! Much appreciated :)
Cool experience!
Thank you!
Ed, thank you for posting this story. I’ve been following your stuff for over a year now and I still come back to this page for inspiration. I don’t think you understand how much of an inspiration you are to other aspiring artists, such as myself.
Thank you for the reminder that anything worth doing takes time, hard work and persistence to make happen.
All the best.
– Coty
I keep looking and looking
I have recently been totally crazy for paintings by Sidney Gross.
Really fun to look across at both of your paintings.
Similar but different.
Color masters and space masters.
Thank you so much Scott – really appreciate your thoughts – I’ll go check out his work! Thanks for that :)
To say I am obsessed is mild. Sidney Gross was in his time more successful than any of the big names in Ab Ex, but died young and most of his work went into storage for decades. Read my growing bio on my website http://www.LSDArt.com
I like your work, your art, your philosophy and how straight forward you are. I really appreciate how non-pretentious you are. You tell it like it is and I respect that.
That’s very kind of you to say so! Thank you!
Really hard work paid off finally. Good job,you always inspire me.
Thank you so much! :)
Discovery: I love your art… and your website is incredible! Great work. You’ve inspired me!!!
That’s very kind Bec, thank you so much!
Most kind Bec, thank you!
WOW! That is the word that comes to mind when seeing your art and reading your story. I love everything about it. You are definitely a go about it your own way kind of person. The one word for that is UNIQUE. You have built a business around passion, purpose, and prosperity. You worked very hard and devoted yourself to following a challenging and strange path. You never gave up on your pursuit. You have made abstract art approachable and demystified it in the process. You have taken the notion of customer-first and applied it to the fine art business model using abstract art. Not one in a million could have done what you have done. By what you have done, you have shown other artists what is possible if they work hard, believe and keep pushing against all odds. You are a hero, and the world should know all about you! Congratulations on a life well-lived and career success well deserved! I will be blogging about you in the very near future. Best wishes for continued success in smashing conventions and crushing it in the process!
Thanks so much Barney; that’s incredibly kind and sincere. Thank you :)
Absolutely astounding Ed , may your paint drip into billions of illuminating Swarez stars . Thank you for lighting the way , cheers and blessings , Mordechai Edel Canada
I love your work and your attitude. With regard to your comments about competitions and some art selling web sites, wanabe artists are seen as sitting ducks by art promoters I suspect. Good luck to you.
Thank you so much Claire!!!!
How have you only got 14 replies to this post?? It’s fascinating, inspiring,amazing and thank you so much for sharing it with us. Your hard work is paying off and rightfully so. Continued success to you.
Nicky Jameson
Thank you so much Nicky :)
Amazing story, really inspired me get my act together. I work big but need space to work and exhibit, How did you get the studio your currently in? was it expensive? there seems to be a lot of empty factory space round here, just wondering how you managed to secure it in the early days?
Hi Tim.
I got my space by spending four months looking on line and driving round in my car. It was in a terrible state when I saw it so I negotiated accordingly. Is it expensive? It’s all relative Tim. Nothing is ever cheap. Thanks. Ed.
Thank you for sharing your story – it has mattered to me. You touched my heart when you described that moment you discovered painting because I had a moment like that. I’d saved up to go to art school to do graphic design (because that’s where the money was) but I was struggling with the poster paint (it was a long time ago back when you actually still painted graphics!) trying to do things with it that poster paint just doesn’t do. The head teacher tapped me on the shoulder and said “come with me”. She took me to her office where she gave me some bristle brushes and a beginner set of oils and sent me to paint with the fine artist art students. That was my moment. I never went back to the graphics class! And I’ll be grateful to that teacher for the rest of my life and a fellow graphics student with whom I swopped all my poster paint and brushes for his oil paints and bristle brushes.
Long story but I gave up painting and went to get a ‘real’ job. Then two years ago I found myself working with a very creative bunch of people and my painting came out again. I won’t ever give it up again. It’s the most natural thing in the world for me. I feel sad for all the years I haven’t painted but it is what it is.
So that’s why your story matters to me. It inspires me to shake off the shackles of the corporate world and JUST PAINT!
Amazing story Ed…and great work too. I really admire your perseverance which was born out of the love of what you wanted to do. I too and am artist and all-round designer creating everything within in my projects through my business – Elastic Canvas Ltd – which I’ve ran since 2007. I can relate to the financially tough times but the creative spark always kept me going. I am very lucky to have worked on some amazing and very varied projects over the years though I’ve been quite distracted recently and have been looking to reignite my passion. Because I do is so varied within my overall design business I’ve decided to build myself a site which just focuses on my art as a more focused entity. I’ve been dragging my heels recently but thankfully and synchronistically found your site this evening and your story has inspired!
Nice one, Matt
So kind of you to say so Matt – thank you very much indeed for all your wonderful comments. Gratefully received, thank you.
Hi Ed,
Amazing work!! I am absolutely blown away with how stunning your canvases are.
Your story and work is very inspirational to me! I have a strong passion for abstract art and I am wanting to set up my own business doing what i love.
I hope to visit you studio some time this year!
Keep doing what you love!
Best Wishes
Rebekah
Thank you so much for your feedback Rebekah, most kind.
Be sure to drop me a line when you’d like to visit!
Best
Ed
Hi Ed,
Thank you for sharing your story.
Your art is special and very different to mine. I love it.
You have inspired me while we are going through a very dark period. I have spent some ten years driving buses in Worcester and two years ago had my first solo art exhibition in Pershore attracting a lot of attention. Unfortunately have got involved with a man who claimed that he would help market the art. Instead he has done every thing he could manage to sabotage our most recent exhibition from fraud to theft. Currently we are homeless but we are still creating new artworks and we will achieve the success that we deserve. We are currently studying an online marketing course aimed at artists no matter where they are in their career development that is designed to take them to the next level with http://www.theworkingartist.com and Crista Cloutier , absolutely amazing and I’ve already learnt so much about things that I’ve been aware of but not understand.
Good Luck! Looking forward to hearing more of your success and yes you are right there is no substitute for sheer bloody hard work, creating, marketing and then back to more creating.
Best wishes,
Mark
Thank you so much Mark. You have quite a story to tell…
I am so grateful that you’ve taken the time to offer a series of thoughts and comments based on your experiences and of your humanity; things I admire and show gratitude for.
Good luck getting going again; stay strong and surround yourself with those who want you to succeed. You shall do great things.
Keep in touch, best wishes. Ed.
Amazing work and very inspiring to hear of how you worked incredibly hard to learn your craft and pave your way in the art world. I came upon your website by chance, and have also just found out that you created the lovely canvases in my apartment block…. super impressed. I spend ages gazing at these pieces every time I walk through the lobby.
Awesome work, thanks.
Alison
Wow! What can I say? Thankyou so much Alison :)
well done. you will inspire many people.
I’ve been a HUGE fan for a couple years since finding you on Twitter. Very happy for your success! Ed, is it? Yours is a very inspirational story, so thank you for sharing! If I should be lucky enough to visit the UK again, I’d love to visit the studio! Awesome work, brother.
My best wishes,
Mike
Ed,
Really enjoyed this history of your beginnings,excellent ethos.e
I am also learning day by day to accomplish amqzing work without any particular training.I tend to comment that I am learning to do what I cannot do.
Let’s keep going onward.
Cheers
Steve