What I've Been Up To...

Bef Makes

24/11/2025

Bonjour everyone! And by everyone i mean the 12 people who might accidently stumble upon this whilst looking for something else. But, hello nonetheless. I thought i would hop online here to chat to you about what I've been working on recently. In many ways, just so i can remind myself that on top of a full time job, i am still working on my practice. Sometimes it is just hard to stop and see all the pieces together when we work in such small fractions.

At Work:

Organising events, pop ups and other activations. Working out new team dynamics and trying to work out a realistic work/life balance.

In life:

Getting in the Christmas Spirit, starting to do 50 jumps a day because i saw a tik-tok that said it was good for me and re-watching Modern Family. I have started drawing a bit more frequently and enjoying it. Mostly i draw when i have a mid-morning start for work or hen i have an afternoon off. I celebrated Existence Day with my friends.

For BEF MAKES:

I was selected for the Curator-bank Mentor scheme from Visual Arts South West and had a 1-2-1 with Rocca Holly-Nambi from B-Side. It was really cool getting to talk to them and discuss ideas around art spaces vs community spaces and how to make each work for you. To chat with another non-binary maker and feel my creative drive re-ignited. From this talk i also learned about a really cool artist, Rachael Clerke. You can check out their work here: https://rachaelclerke.com/

i traded at my first art fair in over a month and had a great time. It was a Queer makers market around Halloween and the vibes were immaculate. I have booked in for two more markets before 2025 ends. i am feeling like there is some direction finally taking shape after trying to be an art guy and an office job guy for two and a bit years. Wahoooo!

Ooh, and i finally set up an online store. So, if you fancy taking a look the link is just here: https://befmakes.sumupstore.com/products

how convenient!

I am also getting my head in the game to finish the 3 year book collection. Another fun task has been outlining what i want my 2026 to look like. I am going to share it in full on my website but here's a sneak peak:

• trade at 4 art fairs across the year (i already received one rejection for Print Pals, but at least that means i can save money as i won't need to pay the train fare #silverlinings)

• finish the 3 year book project and organise a release party/exhibition for it

• submit my work for open calls and exhibitions

• start actively collecting ideas for future projects that may align nicely

• an exciting pencil/tray project that i am hyper fixated on but frustrated about

• create an annual report of sorts

For antiburnout.co.uk:

I have just released the first community zine from the Anti Burnout Initiative. It has works from over 20 artists, writers, poets and photographers on the theme of 'Existence'. All of the profits are going to Coral Gardeners.

Like for my art practice, i am also mapping out what i'd like 2026 to look like for this project. Here's a sneak peak for that too:

• Organise Half-Baked 2 (in conversations for this already and i am so stoked! If you're interested in supporting this from an install/curator POV then get in touch!)

• Do some Anti Burnout Artist talks or workshops (If you know anyone who would like to hire me for that, again, please reach out!)

• create an annual report of sorts

The conclusion for these thoughts is this: i do have ideas and i can realise them. i just need to take my time, do my admin and make sure that i don't give up on myself.