Life with Acid (gallery), or is it just Lock Down. by Vicki Louise Ward

It has been a long time ambition of mine to exhibit outside of the UK. Though I must admit, I never thought it would happen during a global pandemic.

At the beginning of lockdown, like many, I was a nervous wreck. I spent sleepless nights worrying about my family and friends. My mother was shielding due to her comprised immune system and I felt powerless.

We were all trapped in our different shape boxes and life put on pause. My artwork draws inspiration from city life, fashion and luxury. Suddenly it was all gone. When Acid Gallery contacted me it was the kick I needed, it gave me the drive and focus to start creating again. They were putting on an exhibition called Fashion illustration, it was perfect!

I had some original artworks ready to go, but Acid also made some specific requests. They had seen on my Instagram account (@vickilouiseward) an illustration I had posted from the Vin + Omi AW19 runway show and requested a large format version. This was a digital exploration and it excited me to recreate the work by hand and at scale. It helped me to discover a new mixed media process using liquid acrylic, as well as ink and concentrated water colour.

When lockdown travel restrictions eased I was fortunate to be able to visit Lille and see my work in person. The gallery owner Eric was so kind and hosted me for a morning. He took me to the exhibitions pop-up locations around town as well as a short private view at the gallery itself. It was emotional to see my efforts framed alongside all the other beautiful artworks on show.

I am the type of artist that has many ideas bubbling away abut often find it hard to put pen to paper. Given the current situation I am extremely fortunate of the opportunity to have been asked to exhibit with Acid Gallery.