As the second anniversary of my role as Gallery Manager at Emerald Frames & Gallery approaches, I'm sharing a collection of favourite exhibition photos from 2023. During the past two years, I've curated 22 exhibitions; an immense achievement. Join me on a visual journey through captivating displays and discover the artistry that has filled our gallery walls with beauty and inspiration.

As a contemporary fine artist, I am constantly looking for new ways to inspire my work. A favourite sources of inspiration is nature. The beauty and diversity of the natural world can be a powerful source of creativity. Spending time in nature helps open my mind to new ideas, unexpected colour palettes and has the added advantage of encouraging positive mental wellbeing.

Just to be clear, lilac is not my favourite colour. In fact it’s way down my list of not favourite colours. However, being a fine artist who loves colour, I enjoy collecting them. Taking photos that catch my eye is like creating a mobile Pantone colour chart on my phone. Lilac accents keep popping and I’m not entirely sure why?

Do your paintings tell you stories as you walk past them on the wall?  I’m convinced mine do, I make a point of looking at them to make sure I fully understand their narrative.  Call me crazy, however if you love contemporary fine art, Mid-century modern, Scandinavian style and small moments of calm as much as I do read on.  These are my ingredients for homemaking and art is at the heart.

Surrounded by lush foliage, in a charming North Yorkshire garden, artist Jan Wilkins invited Little Bird and I to make cyanotype prints. As part of a fine art skills swap, Jan kindly gave us the opportunity to explore this curious blue technique. Arranging gathered flowers and leaves on light sensitive paper we had first hand experience of one of the earliest forms of photography.