While It Holds
I’m delighted to be exhibiting in While It Holds at Wilder Gallery, curated in collaboration with Susan Davis.
“Bringing together works by Georgia Beaumont, Bobbye Fermie, Rosie Harbottle, Beatrice Hassell-McCosh, Selby Hurst Inglefield, Anna Kesäniemi, Katy Papineau and Sophie Smorczewski, the exhibition explores landscape, memory, place and the traces held within the natural world.” - Wilder Gallery
'We Sang to the Trees'. Acrylic and collage on linen. 183 x 163cm / 72 x 64.17 inch (framed size).
‘We Sang to the Trees’ is a painting about connection, family and belonging. It draws on memories of time spent in wild places with family and friends, and the sense of curiosity and freedom that comes from feeling at home in a landscape.
Every year from around the age of five until sixteen we camped with friends in the Lake District in a farmer’s field on the slopes of the great Catbells. It was the highlight of the year. Singing songs around the fire, building dams in the river and climbing to the tops of mountains. This painting explores those feelings of freedom, connection and playfulness.
Having spent time in Morocco over many years, I have also developed a particular interest in traditional Berber rugs and the stories woven into their patterns. Many of the shapes and symbols carry meanings connected to family, protection, growth and the passage of time. In this painting, those influences sit alongside my own memories and observations, creating a personal visual language that reflects connection to both people and place.
‘It’s That Time Again'. Acrylic and collage on canvas. 103 x 83cm / 40.5 x 32.6 inch (framed size).
'It's that Time Again' refers to that point in the growing season when the garden is at its most abundant; flowers are blooming, vegetables are ready to harvest and everything seems to be growing faster than you can keep up with! Inspired by time spent gardening and observing the landscape throughout the year, the painting reflects on themes of abundance, gratitude and renewal, and the ways in which tending plants can deepen our connection to place.
As each year passes I find myself becoming more and more interested in gardening and growing. It has become my solace as it is for my mother, and her mother before her. It slows you down, teaches you patience and encourages you to look harder at the shapes, patterns and architecture of plants.
‘While It Holds’ on View until July 24th.
77 College Road, London NW10 5ES,