Akaka Print

Made in England. Self taught artist with small studio in Little Maplestead, a sleepy village in rural Essex. My mother was an artist, so we didn't need air fresheners in our house, we just had the fumes of the turps! This probably explains a lot about me? I have 'kept the faith' and mainly work in oils myself, often using the palette knife for an impasto feel, but I branch out with other mediums at times, and I do like to experiment with different styles, which sometimes I feel can be to my detriment!. I have a love of colourful tropical themes and I am at home when I am painting in this style. I am inspired by Gauguins work from Tahiti and I have been lucky enough to see it first hand. The colours make me feel warm and he captures the light of the Polynesian islands completely. I have been fortunate to travel a lot in my life, and have an undying affection for the beauty of the Hawaiian islands, the nature and the culture. I also went on a pilgrimage to Arles with my chum Paula (who incidentally is a wonderful artist!) To see where Gauguin and Van Gogh spent some time a couple of years ago. Another inspiration is Henri Rousseau, I love the naive, literal scenes and I feel that my work often reflects his style. I have a very supportive husband, two children and two four leggers, who are prone to being locked in my studio, as they fall asleep under chairs etc. I work for a charity, leading day centres that offer therapeutic activities to my wonderful clients that have early stage dementia. I am also a musician, so I create music workshops for them. I feel very privileged to be working with these fantastic people, and my lovely team, making a difference. My life is very full. I am always creating. And not just painting! I let my work speak for itself. I hope it brings you joy!