The theme ‘How does your Garden Grow?’ was inspired by a connection with each of us as a group to nature in some form. Williamscot Art Group are inspired by broad ranging influences and ways of working so we wanted a title that would bring our show together and give us breadth for inspiration as individuals.

For me the connection with the Nursery rhyme was a nod to my work from our previous show exploring themes of family and empty nest and our role as parents (Roots and Wings). As a development of this I am exploring the overlap of plants, in particular flowers and vegetables that nurture our bodies and soul and the importance of the human connection with nature.

I love the elegance and sheer determination of plants that shoot up tall from the ground like Hollyhocks and Rhubarb and look for interesting textures and shapes within leaves and flowers which contrast/ complement the human body.

I love to photograph where nature has taken over and created its own connection - for example ivy on a wall, moss on a tree and this has inspired my drawings and prints.

I am working on a series of reduction woodcuts which combine the body and plants. I have taken the line ‘Pretty maids all in a row’ from the nursery rhyme, making reference to Mary Queen of Scots ladies in waiting that this may have originally referred to. My 'ladies in waiting'/ the people who make my 'garden grow' are those closest to me. These people feature as body parts juxtaposed with flowers, tendrils, leaves and stalks in bold colours and flowing lines.

My show pieces will likely be in the form of Woodcuts and drawings that illustrate plants and people.

The two shows in adjacent spaces will no doubt provide an enriching experience for the viewer to be inspired by the colours, materials and themes within our varied works. We are running workshops during the Artweeks period from painting, printing and even flower arranging. There will be the opportunity to buy plants and seedlings and if the weather is good then perhaps our infamous ‘Pop up Cafe’ with beetroot brownies and carrot cake from the garden.