I am delighted to say that I have been selected to exhibit with Prime Women Artists here in Cornwall. We will be exploring the theme of Still Life, and what that means to us. In a world of busy, this really resonates with me.
Fine art portraits as still life subjects
When I first learned of the exhibition theme I discounted my work. Portraits are not what springs to mind when you think of a still life in the context of art. However as it is a brief designed to be interpreted differently by all the members of the Prime Women collective, I came to realise that it is more relevant than I first thought.
The pieces I will be showing are pastel paintings. They are part of a series of six studies I drew, all based on remarkable images by Réhahn photography. I feel they each represent the still moments in life that I so value on an emotional, spiritual and sensory level.
They are A Handful of Coffee, A Handful of Faith and A Handful of Love.
A Handful of Coffee
Coffee is a daily pleasure for me. Each morning I sit and watch the birds in the garden, observing any changes in the plants and flowers, and enjoying the clouds or the rain or whatever else the day has brought. These moments of stillness remind me to be in the moment like the creatures that I love watching.
Drawing can be meditative too. The way I work requires a lot of focus, deep observation and a strong connection between my mind and my hand. A Handful of Coffee captures for me the sensory delights of plunging my hands into soil, dough, water, anything where I can play with the sensations like these hands would be experiencing in these beans.
More than any of the series that this artwork is from, A Handful of Coffee forced me to slow down and to really be present. These hands were the hardest of them all to draw, and these beans are all unique. I questioned my decision to draw this many times in the process. It was not always fun or even rewarding. It was an extraordinary amount of work, and a long lesson in focussing on the one thing right in front of me whilst trusting that that the bigger picture will unfold.
I invite you to take a moment of stillness and just look, consider what it evokes for you, and to enjoy the beauty in the most everyday – hands and coffee beans.
A Handful of Faith
For me, A Handful of Faith captures the quietness of meditation and reflection. The stillness that grounds us amidst a busy life. The ritual of prayer, communion with something outside and also within us. However we each find that connection and peace, taking a moment to just be, to shift focus to stillness, and to surrender some of our human drive for control is a universal experience of faith.
A Handful of Love
As you can see in much of my art, I have a deep love for the older generations. I have always felt a connection with the oldest in society, gravitating to them the way that many gravitate towards infants. Intergenerational relationships are such a gift, which is what inspired A Handful of Love. Connections come in so many forms, and those that bridge gaps can be some of the richest.
When thinking about a the exhibition theme still life, moments of calm, connecting with another, silently sharing of ourselves is what that represents to me. This portrait is for all the older people who have taught me, and who continue to inspire me. I am so lucky to have known, and to know you.
Experience original art in person
It will be the first time that I have exhibited A Handful of Coffee and A Handful of Love so I am excited to get them out into the world. No matter how good an image I share online, nothing beats seeing an original artwork in person, where you can get up close and appreciate every mark. Of course I know these pieces intimately, but even I am still fascinated when viewing them in real life rather than on a screen.
Prime Women Artists exhibition
The Still Life show will be featuring work by 30 women artists, working across a variety of media and in many different styles.
Our exhibition is on at The Poly in Falmouth from Tuesday 11th – Saturday 15th March 2025. 10am – 5pm (4:30pm on Saturday). We would love to see you.
And if you are around on Tuesday 11th we are having a Private View from 5-7pm with free drinks and nibbles. All are welcome.
Thanks to the inspiring Réhahn Photographer
These studies are three of six pastel portraits from the A Handful of… series I drew. All based on remarkable photos by Réhahn Photography who generously gave permission to reference his beautiful work.
