I suppose some would say I’m relatively new to art, only beginning in late 2017 and was far from what I would call art (rather more interpretive I think! feel free to check out a recent post on my blog!) However through practice and determination to allow my art to flow with no pressure and challenging myself I am proud to call myself an artist. Since Lockdown ended, I was given some amazing opportunities and invited to do things I never expected, but it shows hard work pays off. 2021 saw my first hosted exhibition and my first pop up shop! 2022 was even better and saw pop up shops, finalist of the SAA Artist of the Year and longlisted for the Chaiya Art Awards and then I was invited to feature in Vogue magazine! I've hosted my own exhibitions and its been another exhilarating year. My artwork continues to be up in residence in a few venues in Oxfordshire which is just a dream!
For background, In 2016, I went through a life changing experience that felt devastating overnight but it’s not for sympathy I say that (I cannot abide that) but rather what it gave me was utterly remarkable and I gained the gift of art. I couldn't paint before and my eyesight affected but the way I see colour now, has given me the most remarkable gift for painting.
Going through any kind of difficult situation or tragedy, can remind us of what really matters and open our eyes to what we are surrounded by, and use our experiences to give others hope, because hope always remains. There is always a way through difficult times, we just have to find it.
My go to medium and what I am known for is my work in acrylics (both soft and heavy body) on canvas and paper, although like many artists I dabble in other mediums in my downtime to keep the experience of creativity flowing. I love a satin finish and sometimes like some rustic texture and I have an addiction for blending my skies.
I have always been inspired to paint my memories, and the pictures and feelings in my head. Learning to paint at a difficult time was a positive because while I couldn't communicate normally, art gave me the power to communicate back through pictures and that is something very powerful to express feelings and words in pictures and not be stuck in my head on my own.
Perhaps I'm bit of what some may call a rogue artist because of my variations of style (but that's just me love it or hate it I love the variety. Which I think is clear if I tell you I've come from a life in Finance to Art!) I’m an artist with a total adoration of Cornwall, particularly North Cornwall and landscapes and of course my own roots of the Oxfordshire Countryside which is reflected in my art. But I'm also a sucker for some animals too!
I don’t have a studio, just my kitchen table with boxes and bags full of an array of colourful soft and heavy body acrylics and more brushes than anyone could want to store! It's not neat and tidy but what I call an organised chaos. Pristine and tidy sounds lovely but I'm not sure it would work for me, because I love being immersed in my tools and I love nothing more than rummaging through my paints and seeing what colours jump out on me to form that moments colour palette. It feels exciting and fun. My painting area is full of that, there is always music on, a view out of the French windows and fresh air, not to mention my very own assistant (a house rabbit), sleeping at my feet, or trying to climb the table or photo bomb when taking snaps of my work!
All of my art is done for my own rehab and is sold to help fundraise to support other survivors by providing rehab activity packs, (which include art therapy items amongst many), support group and more to help give others the power of hope.
For the 2023 Artweeks exhibition, I've gone back to where it all began, and what helped me begin this fascinating journey.
If you would like to contact me to discuss artwork for sale, commissions or indeed any queries, please feel free to contact me on hello@strokeofabrush.co.uk
I hope you enjoy this years exhibition.