Victoria Murrain: Finding Her Voice in Clay and Colour
For many years, Victoria Murrain held back from pursuing her creative dreams. In her 40s now, she’s making up for lost time and proving it’s never too late to begin. A multidisciplinary artist based in Wolverhampton, Victoria’s bold journey into ceramics and painting is as much about personal growth as it is about artistic practice. “I’ve always had a love for the arts,” she says, “but I went down the route ofperforming arts because I sing. I guess life got in the way of that, and it opened the door for me to use my hands.”
Though she lived in London for much of her adult life, it’s in Wolverhampton where she’s found the confidence and community to take her creative ambitions seriously. And in the past two years, her artistic evolution has been nothing short of inspiring.
A Canvas from a Corner Shop
Victoria’s first steps into the visual arts came unexpectedly in 2015, sparked by a visit to the Danish design store Tiger near her workplace. She bought canvas and paints on impulse to decorate her bedroom, and that spontaneous purchase reignited something long dormant. That initial spark took root during lockdown. “During lockdown, it was either stay in, eat and sleep, or get creative,” she explains. “I just painted what I felt like painting and I found it extremely therapeutic.” Though self-doubt often crept in - especially when comparing herself to others, including her artistically gifted brothers, Victoria refused to let it stop her.
Since 2023, Victoria’s artistic calendar has been full. She was part of a group show at RBSB, Birmingham, and then enrolled in a BA in Fine Art at Wolverhampton School of Art. By January 2024, she’d held her first solo exhibition, a pivotal moment. “The response was a lot better than I could have imagined,” she recalls. “Just being able to say ‘this is me and my work’ was massive.” In the months that followed, she took part in a residency at Steam House, delivered her first artist talk at Wolverhampton Art Gallery, and was selected for a prestigious West Midlands exhibition. Her work continues to receive recognition, with upcoming shows planned in both Wolverhampton and Birmingham.
Despite these achievements, Victoria remains grounded, often speaking openly about the doubts that once held her back. “I didn’t go in with any fancy slides or bragging,” she says of her gallery talk. “My message was: it’s never too late. For years, I believed art wasn’t a proper job… but art is everywhere. It’s in everything we do.” Her decision to pursue art full-time while working and studying wasn’t easy. “Sometimes it feels like my week is one long day,” she admits. “But I just love what I do. That’s what keeps me going.”
At Wolverhampton School of Art, she’s found the support to dream bigger. “I already think big, and they push me to think even bigger.” Clay, Colour, and Community Victoria describes her practice as intuitive, emotional and often playful. While painting was her first love, ceramics has become an equally vital outlet. “Working with clay is so calming to me. There are times I don’t want to express myself with paint, I’d rather get messy with some clay.” She is also a proud member of stART, a community art group amplifying talent across the Black Country. “There’s a wealth of talented people here,” she says. “People always focus on Birmingham, but Wolverhampton can definitely give it a run for its money.”
A Message for the Late Bloomers
Victoria’s story is one of creative perseverance and personal reawakening. From her first brushstrokes in lockdown to solo exhibitions, group shows, and public talks, she is determined to prove that age, fear, or life’s curveballs don’t have to stop anyone from chasing their passion.
“When I look back at my accomplishments,” she says, “I’m proud of the woman, the artist, I am becoming.” Her message to others is clear: Whether you’re just starting or starting again, the art world has space for you, and your story matters.