The joyful, fun colours and loose charm of the pen makes me think of getting lost in a good book, as if I can sense the adventure and mystery ready to unfold. 

 

I take inspiration from walks in the woods, countryside hills and green outside my home. I observe the local wildlife through the changing seasons and study the quaint, historical English cottages and smallholdings dotting the landscape.

 

My process is simple but intentional: outline a sketch in pen, add many layers of watercolour paint, and finish with a thick pen layer. I don’t plan my paintings in advance, instead allowing intuition and instinct to take over. At times, it feels like an exploration, as if the illustration is creating itself, and I am just a vessel along for the journey, getting to watch the creation unfold in front of me. 

 

My favourite part of the painting process, however, is the adding the final pen layer on top of the paints. All at once the colours become vibrant and full of energy, as if the painting just came to life. 

 

I particularly enjoy the contrast between soft, translucent quality of the paints against the powerful, opaque pen strokes - strength can look bold and gentle at the same time. There is something about these humble materials, which any young child could use, which feels authentic, real and vulnerable.

 

My art is my act of resistance against feelings of powerlessness and depression. I deliberately look for ‘glimmers’, micro-moments of peace and joy, to help me (and others) find strength and courage each day. My art is giving expression to the part of me that whispers, ‘yes, there are reasons to hope’.