From private passion to award-nominated artist – how one woman’s career setback unleashed long-lost creativity, television exposure and an exciting new exploration of art and women’s rugby. Hear how our Re:Create business support programme provided essential skills and new networks to aid Richmond-based artist, Agnieszka Lokaj, on her exciting journey.

After years building a career as a product and user-experience lead at a digital agency, Agnieszka found herself drawn back to the creativity she’d set aside since childhood. Fifteen years ago, she picked up her paintbrush again, and what began as a hobby soon grew into a renewed passion that would transform her life. 

Initially, Agnieszka’s painting was something for her, and her alone, but in 2021 she was encouraged by a friend to take part in Sky Arts Landscape Artist of the Year, as one of their ‘wildcard’ artists. “Very quickly, I went from painting in private – and not showing my work to anyone but close friends – to painting and being interviewed in front of the cameras”. Though nerve-wracking, the experience gave her the confidence and motivation to pursue her art more seriously. 

In 2024, she was made redundant – a turning point she describes as life-changing: “there was a huge void in my life. My self-belief was at rock bottom, and I felt like I was walking on shifting sands.” Instead of rushing back into full-time work, she devoted herself to painting.

“As someone with ADHD, I’m aware of how my emotions around anxiety, self-esteem and feelings of imposter syndrome affect all aspects of my life, including my art. In retrospect, I was probably burnt-out by the grind of work. So, locking myself in the studio for two months, and focusing purely on exploring my creative side, really did wonders for my wellbeing.” 

This period confirmed that art was what she needed most. She began engaging with local creative communities, joining Richmond Art Society, Twickenham Art Circle, Arts Richmond, and the Visual Artists Association, and connecting with peers at Orleans House Gallery. The journey hasn’t been without challenges, she explained, “you must enter a lot of open calls and face potential rejection constantly. But I quickly discovered that once you take yourself out of your shell, you can find a lot of support and inspiration in your local area.” 

Working mainly in acrylics and oils, Agnieszka’s style is defined by bold brushstrokes, expressive paint drips, and rhythmic mark-making. She credits her neurodiversity with fuelling her creativity – “it lets me hyper-focus and explore multiple ideas simultaneously.” Inspired by human interaction with nature and each other, she explains her purpose simply, “to make art that is a genuine reflection of human experience.” 

Her work has since been exhibited at the Landmark Arts Centre in Teddington, One Paved Court in Richmond, Guildford House Gallery, and the Brighton Art Fair. A career highlight came when one of her paintings was chosen for both the poster and catalogue cover of the 2025 Royal Birmingham Society of Artists Friends exhibition. She was also long-listed for the 2024 Women in Art Emerging Artist Prize and the 2024 and 2025 Visual Art Open for Emerging Artists – milestones she found deeply affirming. Most recently, she curated Spring Tide: A New Wave Of Art at Magan Gallery in Tooting, part of Wandsworth’s London Borough of Culture programme 2025. 

Love dance

Sunrise on the Thames at Hampton Court

This momentum inspired her to launch Touchlines of Fortitude, a series of exhibitions, community events, and outreach projects taking place across Twickenham and Teddington in September 2025. Running in parallel with the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup, Touchlines of Fortitude explores the powerful intersection of sport and art, celebrating stories of female strength, resilience, empowerment, creativity, and expression. The project grew from Agnieszka’s love of both art and sport, and a belief that they can both be powerful tools to benefit a person’s mental health and wellbeing.

“In today’s world, we all need ways to process our emotions, build confidence, and feel supported. Creative expression and physical activity can offer us these things. Creating art and moving our bodies through sports give us chances to reflect, release, and reconnect with ourselves and those around us.” 

Agnieszka was thrilled to be awarded Arts Council England funding to bring this vision to life – a significant milestone she credits with the guidance and support of Re:Create. Re:Create is our successful business support programme, designed to empower creative, self-employed individuals and small enterprises to develop and thrive. First piloted in 2021, the programme has since supported 200+ creative businesses across London, increasing estimated income, skills and business confidence. Agnieszka applied for Re:Create after recognising a need to develop her creative practice – treat it as a business and not just a passion – “the support that Re:Create offered me was a real turning point that changed everything”, Agnieszka expressed. 

Richmond Bridge twilight

Through one-to-one mentoring with industry expert Nat Harrison, she gained tools to expand her business and the courage to apply for funding. “Nat really helped me focus my mind and overcome my imposter syndrome. She really understood how artists think and what they need. Our sessions helped me focus on ways to turn my passion for exploring the idea of female resilience into something tangible and my art into something profitable. Her advice was also expertly tailored to my specific skills and challenges, but it was her expert insight and approachable style that made a real difference for me.” 

Agnieszka attended several Re:Create events which helped her to connect with other creatives in her area, “I’ve bumped into a few of them at different local arts events, and we always keep supporting each other. At one event in January 2025, the speakers gave us lots of networking tips which I was able to put into practice straight away.” It was at one of these events that she first introduced the idea for Touchlines of Fortitude – and was encouraged by the enthusiastic response. 

The networking aspect of Re:Create has always been an essential part of the programme. We recognise how important it is for artists and small businesses to have opportunities to connect with likeminded people. Agnieszka explained that “it creates a sense of community, support and shared understanding about the challenges we face, and the opportunities we can foster by working together. We can exchange ideas, learn from each other’s experiences, and celebrate each other’s successes.”  

Twilight on the Thames

Robocik in sunglasses

Touchlines of Fortitude

Today, Agnieszka is focused on growing her business, developing her creative practice, and leading inspiring community projects. Reflecting on her experience of Re:Create as a whole, she said: “The programme offered exactly what I was looking for; personalised mentoring with experienced business coaches who understand the creative industries, on-demand e-learning packed with practical business skills designed specifically for creatives, and the chance to meet and collaborate in-person with other local creative entrepreneurs and artists. I’m so grateful for the way that Re:Create has had such a tangible impact on my journey.” 

“One of the biggest gifts I got from Re:Create was being surrounded by people who encourage, support and inspire me. That community has become a trusted network that I can lean on, and it has made all the difference when things get challenging. I’ve been asked to become a Re:Create Ambassador, and I’m more than honoured to recommend the programme to anyone within my creative network.” 

Love Candy

Re:Create offers FREE mentoring and business support for creative small businesses, currently operating across Wandsworth, Richmond, Westminster, as well as Thurrock, Essex. This programme is made possible thanks to local councils that dedicate part of their budgets to fund Re:Create and champion the creatives in their communities. “It’s hugely important that funding boards prioritise programmes like Re:Create”, Agnieszka told us. “Free mentoring and business support gives creative individuals the tools, knowledge and confidence they need to grow their practice into a sustainable business”, she continued. 

Too often, talented artists and creative entrepreneurs have the vision and potential but lack the practical guidance to bring their ideas to life. By removing financial barriers to mentoring, Re:Create empowers individuals to thrive while also strengthening the wider creative ecosystem. Agnieska shared how encouraged she felt to see Richmond Council supporting the creative industry and to meet Susan Shaw, Head of Enterprise and Business Growth for Richmond Council, at a Re:Create event. This connection introduced her to a wider business support network in her community and inspired her to attend Richmond Business Hub events for local businesses. At their International Women’s Day event, Agnieszka had the privilege of meeting local female entrepreneurs. 

Learn more about Agnieszka, her projects and her paintings: 

Website: www.agalokaj.art 

Instagram: aga.lokaj.art

Agnieszka will be organising two exhibitions, a talk and a writing workshop as part of her Touchlines of Fortitude project. Click the following link  to see the full event schedule: Touchlines of Fortitude

Applications for the upcoming edition of Re:Create are closing soon!
Click HERE to begin your application

Deadline: Friday 12 September 2025
If you have any questions regarding the application process, please contact laurie.kremer@creativeunited.org.uk