A Lifetime in Motion: Not Perfect.. Just Growing

It’s hard to believe it’s been 2 years since I took the leap, to follow an idea, a feeling, a story that felt like it needed to be told. That story was Nick Fraser’s, and it led me down a road I could never have mapped out in advance.

When we inherited Nick’s extraordinary collection of work, I knew almost instantly that his paintings weren’t just meant to stay in storage or private memory. They were meant to be seen, to be felt, to be part of the world and through that decision, something else was born: Imaginative Reaction, a platform that has now become a home for underrepresented artists, storytellers and creators with voices that need to be heard.

Over the past year, I’ve poured everything I have creatively, physically, financially, into building that platform. I’ve met inspiring individuals across London’s vibrant communities, shared Nick’s journey in new and unexpected places, and watched something once so personal grow into a collective mission.

From popup exhibits to creative workshops, from connecting with local artists to sharing poetry and music, I’ve stayed true to what I set out to do, despite the countless grant applications that didn’t get accepted, the jobs I applied for that went unanswered and the days I doubted whether I could keep going.

But I did. And I’m proud of what’s been achieved.

Chapter One Exhibition in London last November was one of the most memorable and meaningful moments of this journey. Seeing Nick’s work displayed publicly after so many years, hearing the reactions, feeling the energy in the space, it confirmed why this mission matters. It’s about honouring legacies, creating space for stories, and helping others feel seen through creativity.

A Journey of Commitment

As anyone who has ever chased a dream knows, passion doesn’t always pay the bills and this past year has tested me in more ways than one. I’ve given everything I could to keep this alive, and yet I’ve still found myself unable to find a sustainable way to balance the financial demands of life, family and community work.

There were moments I considered giving it all up, not because I wanted to, but because I wasn’t sure I could carry on. I’ve applied for jobs, explored side roles, and kept faith that something would come through to support the work I believe in so deeply.

A New Chapter Begins

And then, when things felt like they were at their most uncertain, a window opened.

My mum, ever the quiet guardian of this journey, came across a job listing and sent it my way. A part-time role as a Community Engagement officer at a nature reserve. On paper, it sounded perfect, but part of me assumed it was going to be tough competition.

Still, I applied.

I researched, I studied, I prepared a presentation, my first in over 15 years and I went into that interview with all the heart and honesty I could offer. And this time… I got the job.

I have started the next chapter, one that feels like it will work in harmony with everything I’ve been building. Nature, community, wellbeing, creativity, they are all connected. I’m excited to get stuck in and begin contributing to a new space while continuing to grow Imaginative Reaction and carry on the legacy of Nick Fraser.

In Closing

To everyone who has supported me, believed in the vision, volunteered, contributed, or simply encouraged me to keep going, thank you.

This year has been wild and emotional and filled with unexpected beauty. Every young creative who entered the exhibition, every artist who trusted me with their story, every community partner who gave me a chance, you’ve shaped this journey in ways I can’t put into words.

There’s still a long road ahead. But this moment this pause to reflect, reminds me that I’m still walking the right path.

If you’re still reading this: keep going. Keep creating. Keep trusting.

With gratitude,

Marcus