How does the Beauty we find in individually Handmade and Considered Artworks, Feed us?

At exhibitions, I often find myself wandering among the work of other artists - ceramicists, weavers, jewellers, painters and sculptors and enjoy stepping into another makers world. There’s a stillness in that experience, a sense of being invited to appreciate the energy of someone’s time, attention and intention.

Handmade artwork invites us to slow down and notice texture, weight, rhythm in colours and patterns - to feel the presence of the maker, a thumbprint in the clay and a brushmark that faltered and then found its way again. This time where we give our attention nourishes us in ways we can often forget we need.

My own work is rooted in nature where I also take the time to slow down and notice the way that light shifts across a leaf, or today how a golden autumn tree lifts my spirits as if it were singing (I know, might sound ridiculous).

Exhibiting alongside other makers, I see how each of our pieces becomes part of a larger conversation : different materials, forms and approaches, but all created with care and intention. They remind us that someone was present, thinking, feeling, creating. When we really take some time to notice the details we’re not just looking but we’re listening too. There’s a connection and we feel nourished by it.

These thoughts were put together following a joint exhibition that I took part in with The Hampshire Artists Cooperative. I overheard a visitor say that “they felt like they wanted to take multiple pieces of artwork home - they felt so fed by their visit.”

For future exhibitions do visit my EVENTS page.

For more details about any of the artists in The Hampshire Artists Cooperative visit the website HERE













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Illustrating a Children’s Book – How it all came together