18/08/2025
The INKSPOT Statement.
We haven’t posted much over the last couple of months, unfortunately this is due to a few, life changing events, what do they say it comes in threes….well!.. in truth, it’s been a bit of a avalanche. I have been a carer for my mother for just over 11 years, the care required has increased though the years, cooking, cleaning, driving etc…unfortunately she has just been diagnosed with vascular dementia. My mother, stepfather and me founded INKSPOT in 1986 ( celebrating 40yrs in a world of creativity next year ) I left for 7yrs and returned to the business to expand into the building we presently reside. The old church Clifton st, we moved our retail art business including much more, Bringing a gallery, bespoke framing service, art studios, demonstrations and classes becoming an iconic business though out the city and way beyond, winning many awards along the way. A real privilege to provide the materials for so many amazing creations
My mother had such a dedication and love for the business, involved in every part. Unfortunately her memory has vastly declined over the years. I’m very close to my mother running a business has certainly brought its trails and tribulations, certainly an education in the school of life.
The other situations that have come about, I can’t really talk about, as it involves people that are very close to me and at the end of the day it’s up to them to make there own statements on such matters. But each matter has caused a great deal of heartache for all concerned. My mother’s vascular Dementia like any dementia Is such a debilitating disease, the outcome of which is a shell of a person. I was told once by a very wise person, ‘ that dementia is a slow departure of the spirit, into what comes after’. An explanation which holds with beliefs I have…nothing is ever lost. plus it’s nice to think, that’s how it works
As for all of the above and the consequences it brings, making time very relevant. With such news and the gradual decline of such a central rock within the business…this has had its cause and effect upon my own strength and determination, even though I fight this every day, the aim to do at least something in the day to donate progress, in truth this enthusiasm has been chipped away at. The pandemic was a time to be strong…I think it took a lot more out of people than they thought, it certainly did me and of course our business. what we face in the world in theses present times can only donate uncertainty…..what would they have called it in times past, ‘there’s a pestilence that has crossed this land’.
So what am I doing in the building at the moment, we are delighted to have new era in the building, promoting strength in music. As Roy Castle used to say, ‘dedication is all you need’. We cater for various other musicians rehearsals etc, we have also let to a church on Sundays taking the building back to its roots. The service held, a gospel service, lots of singing and dancing ❤️. I must state that I have a lot of admiration for creativity, like anyone I have certain tastes in music, where I hire and let people use the building, it’s not all to my personal taste, I do have a lot of respect to the creators of such though. This also applies to artwork.
With all of the above and ongoing situations we haven’t been as active as we would like to be. We are carrying out a lot of work in the building. Completed the toilet renovation, corridors, stairs, main hall, etc. as said trying to do something every day. Some new things in regards to Art coming. Here’s to better days and creative adventures….We can only apologise for the lack of communication over the months ,we hope the above explains at least some of the reasons for this..wishing each and every one of you who took the time to read this, ‘ all the very best and may your peace be with you’……❤️🎨🎵🖊️🎭…🙏☮️🌍 thank you to everyone that has been involved though the years.
