Post-Exhibition Reflections: Emotional Freedom at The Imagination Factory

“To feel many things at once is to be fully alive.”

That was the inspiration behind my artwork Emotional Freedom: Nothing Needs Fixing, exhibited this September at The Imagination Factory at Tembusu Art Gallery. I've talked about the inspiration behind this piece in August's blog. The swirling colours remind us that conflicting emotions are not evidence something is wrong with us - they are part of being human. Gratitude can coexist with disappointment. Pride with self-doubt. Joy with fear. Even the scars in the paper became teachers, showing me that forcing control only deepens resistance.

As affirmation art, this piece became a visual anchor for acceptance: an invitation to embrace our messy, complex wholeness, and a reminder that nothing needs fixing.

What I didn’t anticipate was how this artwork would come full circle in my own life. At the exhibition, it became a double win:

• It first inspired a commission for a larger work on the 1st day of exhibition

• The 60 x 60 cm piece eventually sold (& going to a wonderful coaching space to empower women).

The irony? I hadn’t felt 100% sure about this piece when I first created it. The emotions clashed, true to its name. Yet it resonated deeply with someone else - enough to commission more. My biggest lesson here: Who am I to judge my own work?

When the news came, I was overwhelmed. Part of me wanted to celebrate. Another part of me wanted to retreat.

I realised something vital: you can manifest all the success you desire, but if your nervous system isn’t ready to hold it, you risk collapsing into fight, flight, fawn, or freeze. This is the paradox of success. From a neuroscience perspective, the brain always craves familiar hell over unfamiliar heaven. Dang.

This exhibition became my practice ground. Could I feel the surge of recognition, abundance, and expansion - and still stay grounded in my body? Could I allow joy without running from it?

That, I think, is the real art of self-regulation and self-love.

And while the red dot and commission were milestones, the true treasure lies beyond that - connections.

Casey, the organiser, showed me what it looks like to embody a healthy money mindset - weaving business with artistry, excellence with generosity. His authenticity and advocacy for artists became a model of what’s possible: to thrive as both an artist and a heart-led entrepreneur. Valentina’s vision as curator, Lisa’s unwavering support and humour, and the conversations with fellow artists (new and old) reminded me why I do this work. At its heart, art is about connection - between people, between emotions, between self and world.

In August, I wrote about the clash of pride and disappointment at a speech contest. In September, I stood inside the paradox of selling and being commissioned at once, while still doubting myself.

The reality is: both are true. Both are human.

Nothing needs fixing.

And perhaps that’s the biggest win of all.

✨ The exhibition may be over physically, but you can still explore it online here: The Imagination Factory

(ps: If any artworks caught your fancy in the online show, free feel to reach out - happy to help connect artworks & new collectors!)