So, am I surviving as a full-time artist on an island?
The last part. The answer to the big question.
This newsletter is part of a series, and if you didn’t read the first 2 episodes you can do it here: Part 1, Part 2.
In this final episode, I’m finally answering the big question: how does an artist (spoiler: it’s me!) survive on an island in the middle of nowhere, just creating art?
Honestly, I just try my best every day. Some days are great, others are pretty rubbish. If you've ever chosen this kind of life, you’ll know what I mean—money comes in waves, and sometimes, there’s nothing for months. It’s a tough choice, full of sacrifices, hard decisions, and a whole lot of persistence. It's a constant journey of figuring yourself out. You have to keep going, even when no one seems to care what you’re doing. You do it because, well, you have to.
And trust me, I’m not just surviving here. It was a real shock moving from London to a place where there’s no Amazon delivery, spotty internet (sometimes planes can't even land!) and all the conveniences of big city life just don’t exist. When I first arrived, I honestly thought, “I won’t survive here for long!” But you know what? It’s been one of the biggest lessons of my life—learning to embrace simplicity, to live in the real world, and to appreciate authenticity.
You realise how much you grow when you can’t get everything you want instantly. No delivery in a minute! But, strangely enough, I cherish it while still feeling connected to the world.
Anyway, back to the point. We live in this world that’s obsessed with performance, success, and competition—being the best, outdoing others, achieving greatness. It’s exhausting, and half the time we don’t even realise it. But lately, I’ve been trying to shift my mindset, to focus more on collaboration and sharing experiences, whether it’s through art or just living day-to-day. It’s not easy—I say this as much for myself as for anyone else. I need to remind myself constantly: it’s about the process, not the final product. It’s about evolving, not just achieving. It’s about living, not just consuming.
That’s one of the biggest things I’ve learned here. I’m not trying to preach or give lessons; I’m just sharing what this weird little island life has taught me. It’s a constant battle to stay connected to your humanity, to stay grounded in empathy and compassion. And honestly, we need that more than ever.
We can’t exist or create in isolation. Trust me, I know isolation—this island life shows you that in very real ways. But it’s also taught me how important it is to stay connected, not just digitally, but in a more human sense. We need to be pioneers in our own lives, to challenge the clichés of how we think life ‘should’ be lived. It’s up to us to forge new paths, to take risks both in our art and in how we live. And the unknown? Well, it’s scary, but it’s also where all the magic happens. There’s no dress rehearsal for life—this is it. Every relationship, every challenge, every random interaction is prepping you for whatever’s next. It all builds on what came before, and none of it goes to waste.
The other thing I’ve been grappling with is the idea of failure. We all carry this fear of failing, but I’ve come to see it as an illusion. What looks like failure is just the next blank canvas, another chance to start fresh. Life is full of infinite possibilities, and we limit ourselves with labels like "success" and "failure." In reality, each moment is an opportunity. There’s no need to conform, no need to fit into someone else’s box.
I’ve also learned how important it is to connect with people who are different from us. We’re all part of this big, messy human experience, and the more we engage with each other, the more we realise how much we share. Art, for me, is a way to start those conversations, to dive into the mystery of existence and challenge the fears that hold us back. And listen, if you’re ever feeling like you don’t matter—let me tell you, you do. You’re important. What you do is important. And so is your art, whatever form it takes.
So, yeah, I’m still figuring it out. Living on this island has made me think about things I wouldn’t have considered before. It’s humbled me in so many ways, but it’s also pushed me to be more creative, more present, and more connected.
Now, as for what’s next? In November, I’ll be modelling for the art classes at the university (a fun side gig), and I’ll keep singing wherever I can, I’m writing a new performance’ concept and collaborating with new producers. I’ve also got a new painting series in the works, focused on fragile ecosystems and species. Oh, and in 2025, I plan to travel more—now that my studio is sorted, I’m ready for the next chapter. But we’ll dive into all that in the next newsletter!
If this has resonated with you in any way, let me know! Drop a comment below, send me a DM on Instagram, or even email me. I’d love to chat, be pen-pals, or meet up if you’re nearby.
Sending big hugs,
B.