The Childhood Garden: The Launch of a Brand New Nostalgic and Inspiring Contemporary Art Collection

‘IT was the sweetest, most mysterious-looking place any one could imagine.’

Chapter 9 opening, The Secret Garden

In the days when all we needed to entertain us was a few pots, pans and wooden spoons and we spent all of our time in the garden, finding new creatures, making mud pies and discovering plants that felt like the softest blanket were truly magical moments. These experiences were at the forefront of my mind as I developed this collection - the joy and innocence along with the scents and sounds.

The overriding feelings I have of my Nana’s garden are that it was a real place of wonder bursting at the seams with plants that unlocked my imagination - Lambs Ear, Snap Dragons and Fuchsias that appeared to dance - all intermingled with the sounds of birds in their bird bath that they shared with herds of snails and the oh-so-special archway tucked behind  climbing plants that hid a path so slender that only tiny feet could access it.

Then there was the garden at our first house - a haven for bees and butterflies taken over by the intoxicating aroma of Buddleia that climbed the garage wall. Every time I walk past one of those plants, I am transported to a time where we bounded down a slide into a paddling pool without a care in the world. 

Then there were the vivid red poppies in the front garden -  big and blousy, swaying in the breeze and full of seeds ready to drop and continue the cycle. Those poppy pods were like nature's maracas and the sight of them greeted us every time we returned home.

That’s the wonder of gardens. They transport us. They are happy places.

Now in my forties, I am discovering the joy of plants and flowers all over again as I learn to keep them alive and sometimes help them thrive. I was never particularly green fingered but I have caught the bug and am gradually bringing our yard, garden and windowsills to life with flora.

Capturing all of these emotions and stories started with colour as my work often does - bright, sunny colours created with a range of media to evoke the many textures of the gardens in my memories. My hope is that each piece takes you to a place of happiness and conjures dreams and memories that you cherish.

‘In most gardens,’ the Tiger-lily said, ‘they make the beds too soft—so that the flowers are always asleep.’

Alice in Wonderland

Life is too short to live in a neutral box. Energise your walls with colour, texture and story.