Is this the way it is…

February 2022

On an emotional level I don’t know how to deal with the way I’m feeling and it seems hopeless writing this whilst in Ukraine families are being separated from their loved ones and losing their homes and lives. Essential services like water and healthcare are under threat and my thoughts are with all who are facing such violence and insecurity. Perhaps there’s no better way to use this page than to ask you to donate today if you are able.  The British Red Cross has launched an appeal to help the Ukrainian Red Cross to provide food, medicine, clothing and shelter, as well as first aid training in bomb shelters. Save the Children is providing cash assistance, food and other support to refugees crossing into Romanian and Lithuania, as well as in Ukraine itself.

Is this the way it is?

My friend, the singer songwriter Margo Buchanan has just posted her song Is this the way it is? in support of the people of Ukraine.  She has already received a text from a couple hiding in a cellar in Kyiv - it’s important that they know we care and are thinking of them.

In the garden…

As always the garden has provided a temporary, if futile refuge from the heartbreaking news.

Days spent working without a break until it’s too dark to see can prove to be a pathway to equanimity - and I do sleep better.

Don’t lose heart, tidying and mulching in February and March will pay dividends later on.

The first day of spring on Sunday March 20th isn’t far away.

In the studio…

All artists need to take risks to advance their work and fear of change can paralyse progress.

I’m enjoying the freedom to experiment with fresh ways to express my creative voice. Sometimes the results can surprise me and I always have to live with what I have made for a while before I can truly evaluate the success or otherwise. The images above were made in soft pastel which forces me to work loosely at a bigger scale. The larger of the two which I have called “The visitor” was made at the end of a long day of painting by which time I felt totally free and relaxed and not worrying about the result at all. The smaller portrait is of Vita Sackville West who created Sissinghust garden in Kent.

Date for your diary…

I will be taking part in 2022 Suffolk Open Studios over the weekend of 11/12 June. This is the Sudbury trail weekend when visitors will be able to have a look behind the scenes and see artists in action all around the town. It’s a great day out so please come and see my latest work and what’s happening in the garden. There is no obligation to buy, it’s free to visit and I will be there to welcome you and share my creativity. Other exhibition dates will be posted shortly…

Thanks for reading. Happy gardening and stay safe all:-)