In my creations, nature is what inspires me most: vast, wild scenes of dramatic hills or stormy seas, peaceful light over golden fields, continuous changes in the woods, miniature landscapes of moss and lichens on walls and fence posts. All seasons, all weathers are essential to me and recharge my creative batteries.
In terms of personal behaviour, I find animals endlessly supportive, comforting and inspiring in their innocent simplicity and sweet perfection.
One of my best friends forever is a stunning German Shepherd dog.
When her big velvet head rests on my lap and her eyes look straight into mine, I immediately relax. The weight of that lovely head, the warmth of her body, the silkiness of the tiny hairs beneath her ears, her obsession with tennis balls and her selfless solicitude are genuinely healing, bringing comfort, lightness and amusement every time. I love how she can communicate without words.
One day I was painting while Ginny was relaxing near me, and as usual when I am immersed in creativity, my brain was quietly brainstorming, envisioning a near future where I would sell my creations, and vaguely wondering what brand colours I might choose. I looked at Ginny and she seemed to say, "Black and gold!"
I have listened to her and feel so aligned with my brand colours—clearly, her tastes are impeccable. I love that my brand is a reflection of her coat's elegant colours, paying tribute to her sweet, helpful and intelligent disposition, to the warm comfort and unique joy she brings, and to the natural world that inspires me daily.
I am very lucky to live right next to the fields and the woods, and to have a little garden where various animals congregate through the seasons. I will introduce you to some of them:
The other day I was thinking very deeply and seriously about some random thing when, glancing through the window, I chanced to see the donkey running around wildly with a grin on his face. Witnessing this random race of pure amusement and energy stopped my ruminations right in their tracks and reminded me of the simple joys in life.
Seeing the donkey running around or quietly contemplating the day, the horses enjoying the landscape or coming to greet me as soon as I step out in the garden, the lambs gambolling down the hill, the cows in their benevolent placidity, the ram posing in polite enquiry, the bees covered in pollen... for a moment I forget everything in observing these characters fully present in simply doing whatever they do.
Observing and interacting with animals is such a deeply relaxing and rewarding activity, because they are such great teachers in doing all things with all their heart, simply being here, right now, exactly as they are.
I'm always in awe and wonder at their perfection; everything about them seems to be exactly as it should be, and that's precisely because they never try to be perfect. A great reminder to us all :)
