Returning to the Upfest Festival: Upfest presents 2024
Returning to the Upfest Festival: upfest presents 2024
I'm thrilled to share that I've been invited back to the Upfest festival for another round of artistic live painting expression. The journey from my last appearance in 2022 to now has been a whirlwind of growth and self-discovery.
Looking back on my previous experience, I realise how much I've evolved as an artist. For Upfest 2022, I experimented with a pinhole stencil technique, pushing myself out of my comfort zone. Which didn’t help me at all and only wasted two hours I could have been painting (not to mention the tens of hours making it), with the wind making it rather challenging. I felt like I hadn't fully showcased my true artistic voice or worked in a way I usually would. This year, armed with a newfound confidence with painting at scale, I'm ready to take on the challenge with a different approach.
Starting with the eyes on the pin hole stencil that didn’t work on the 14 hours of work by Chris Shopland 8foot by 4 foot artwork for upfest festival 2022 Bristol UK
One of the most significant changes is my comfort level with spray paint. Though not my usual medium, I've spent time honing my skills on practice walls, reducing my painting time significantly. What once took me 14 hours in 2022 now only takes four. This growth has given me the freedom to adapt my style and tackle larger projects.
Approaching this year's festival, I'm adopting a more fluid approach to my artwork. Instead of rigid plans, which isn’t my strength or way of working, I'll let the sight of the surface guide me, allowing room for spontaneity and creativity. And while I'll miss my furry companion at home who has a dog sitter, I'm grateful for the opportunity to immerse myself in this experience.
This year's Upfest promises to be different, with artists painting on multiple weekends 17th May -2nd June (Saturday Live paint 18th, 25th and 1st June). This extended schedule allows me to also have time to participate in workshops, engage with the community, and witness the creative process of fellow artists painting live on the weekends leading up to my debut. It's a reminder of the broader impact art has beyond its creation, people enjoying creativity unfold and connections being made.
14 hours of work on Chris Shopland 8foot by 4 foot artwork for Upfest festival 2022 Bristol UK
While I hesitate to label myself a "world-class artist," I recognise the unique perspective and insights I bring to my work, any fears or uncertainty is about very different things than when I first started out, there is always something new to learn (and worry about!). Every project presents an opportunity for growth and refinement, a journey I'm eager to continue.
Recently, I've explored the use of transparent spray paint for glazes, adding depth and intensity to my compositions. It's a technique I'm excited to further explore and incorporate into my Upfest piece which can be seen on canvas (rather than wall) for the I own my own intensity artwork.
I own my own intensity by artist Chris Shopland 20 x 16 on canvas using spray paint, transparent spray paint and acrylic
To check out details on this piece click here https://cjshopland.com/store/p/i-own-my-intensity-2
As I prepare for the festival, I find momentum driven in music, with DJs at upfest providing the soundtrack to my creative process, community asking questions, others dancing. It's these little details that make the experience truly immersive and unforgettable.
Returning to Upfest feels like a second chance to showcase my evolution as an artist. With a more relaxed mindset and the lessons of the past guiding me, I'm ready to make my mark on this year's event. And as I eagerly anticipate the days ahead, I'm grateful for the opportunity to share my passion with the world once again.
For what’s on its here https://www.upfest.co.uk/workshops
And video of my 2022 experience is below
