Here and Now

Batik uses melted wax as a resist; fabric is then painted with batik dyes - waxed areas will not be penetrable. Colours soak into the fabric in a magical way, swirling and glowing as they dry - and so these two parrots can continue talking, all day long!

When my young grandsons were asked what paintings they’d like for their rooms, both answered: Lions please! So here they are: the eldest brother looking out for the youngest with loving protection - whilst in the background, the family trek to Africa!

These translucent, fairy-like creatures floating through the air symbolise wisdom and transformation. Their elegant dancing shows us how to navigate life’s storms with ease; their short life-span reminds us to live each day fully, with joy and light.

Filled with birds in springtime and gusty winds in winter, Duncliffe Wood protects, embraces and offers solace and calm. A place of resonance, winding paths lead to the summit - where, if you listen, you will hear echoes of worship across the centuries.

In Spring, under a canopy of trees, the ancient woodland of Duncliffe is a carpet of shimmering bluebells in shades of amethyst, purple and indigo. Associated with magical enchantment, they symbolise constancy, humility, gratitude - and everlasting love.

This Welsh valley was flooded to give water to Liverpool - so a village of patient souls lies beneath the lake. Every Spring, Brigid, woman of Wisdom and Healing, walks the snow-clad mountains bringing New Life and glowing Light back to the frozen Earth.

In the ancient tradition of a Tibetan Thangka, we journey along our individual upward Path, robes changing from dark to light depicting our spiritual and emotional growth. By the right hand panel our heart is now open, our destination one of happiness.

A merchant built the village church; to stop them worshipping, the Devil moved it nightly to a hilltop. So they left it there. Dappled mosaics make the story come alive: powered by the Moon and protected by the symbolic Hare, Light still dominates today.

Blossom and birds announce the great Celtic festival of Imbolc, the return of Spring. Snowdrops symbolise regeneration and blackbirds sing. Here is the promise of renewal, of hidden potential, of earth awakening and life force stirring. Here is Hope.

Christmas stories are filled with Joy: on children’s faces seeing Santa Claus/The Snowman and, centuries ago, on the faces of Angels, Shepherds and 3 Kings gazing on the Nativity. Moonlight and Starlight shines down today, with the same Comfort and Joy.

From ’67 film, "Far From The Madding Crowd” to ’73 TV advert, Gold Hill is: “an image of childhood, a collective warm memory of an idealised world.” This landscape is recognisable by its chimneys, the twilight guiding us safely back to the glowing Horizon