Its delicious getting my hands dirty!  Not maybe delicious as in yum let me eat it - but oh so nearly!

Its been a really interested beginning to the year. 

Firstly the printmaking equipment that I borrowed from my very wonderful pal Jo de Pear (amazing printmaker) has led to all sorts of wonderful new directions as she absolutely new it would.

Further to Jo inspiring me to get printing, my wonderful old 6th form college Peter Symmonds in Winchester allowed me to go in and use thier press in the printmaking studio.  I spent a wonderful day there yesterday, (the first of many I hope!) it was utter bliss.  Me, a printmaking studio, radio 4 and tea!  The two ladies that run the studio were just wonderful and gave me all sorts of hints and tip that I had forgotten.

I came out of my blissful experience with lots of good work that am really excited to follow!  Will attach a couple of my spoils here for you to see.

Finally, its been such a great week as I have met another really wonderful Artist that lives locally to me, really locally, like in the next village, Micheldever.  Her name is Ester Coombes and her work is forward thinking, light, joyful and quite simply ace.  She makes wonderful 'upcycled' works which means bringing new life into old things.  Drawing onto old teapots and making them into something new is such a wonderful idea - you have to see some of her work - its divine. 

I found her on the fab website 'This is Your Kingdom'  which hails all things local by getting ace and interesting people to write about local places that they love.   She had written about her village, hence the connection being just up the road.

Ester and I met for lunch and we enjoyed a thoroughly inspiring couple of hours together - how amazing to meet such a kindred spirit just down the road?  Mind you it is just outstanding where we live so I shouldnt really be surprised - just happy!

A really great start to the year.

Sam