About Me
How I became an artist
My name is Anna and I live and work in Hertfordshire. I have always enjoyed the arts but it was in 2015 that I discovered my passion for abstract painting and began to experiment with paint and collage.
At the time I was experiencing a series of traumatic life challenges and I found that painting enabled me to channel and express my emotions in a way that words and talking could not.
This was the start of my journey to self discovery and recovery. I realised the transformational power that creativity held and my hope now is to share this with as many people as possible by encouraging regular creative practice as well as spending time in nature through forest bathing and land art.
If you would like to find out more about how creativity and mindfulness can benefit your own wellbeing, do get in touch or visit my workshops page.
My style
I am a self-taught, intuitive, abstract artist who uses a combination of techniques and mixed media to express and reflect my emotions. I am passionate about the natural world and often include themes inspired by my time spent outdoors or forest bathing. I find that using recycled and natural materials in my art adds an addition layer of authenticity to my work.
When I begin a new piece I will have a thought of what I want to create, but often ideas manifest and flow as the artwork develops. I enjoy the freedom this brings and I find the whole process of creating an artwork incredibly mindful, intuitive and relaxing.
I exhibit locally, run therapeutic art workshops for adults, paint murals and community art projects, and work locally supporting people's wellbeing through various creative projects and social prescribing.
Recent projects
During 2020, I founded The Dacorum Creatives and set up an Art Hub in the Marlowes Shopping centre in Hemel Hempstead. The Gallery remained open until spring of 2023 and I have plans to reopen a similar project in 2024. I am so proud of this project as it not only gave local artists the opportunity to exhibit and sell their work but also grew a supportive community for artists; a space to share ideas and good practice and build lasting friendships.
In the meantime I am hosting a monthly Art Fair at Sunnyside Rural Trust in Hemel Hempstead.
Another passion I have recently rekindled is creating street art and murals. I have worked collaboratively with local charities and organisations recently to design and paint benches and planters for Hemel Old Town High Street and most recently I designed and painted, alongside a wonderful team of artists and volunteers, a huge mural in the subways under the magic roundabout in Hemel Hempstead.
Wild Wood Drumming
Over the years I have become increasingly interested in how I can bring together my love of nature and trees with my creative arts practice and so I discovered the Japanese practice of Shinrin Yoku or Forest Bathing. After some study, I am now a forest bathing guide and lead experiences across Hertfordshire and surrounding areas.
I have also found an affinity with Shamanic practice, particularly drumming, which is a wonderfully healing form of meditation.
This year I will be bringing you some creative, holistic experiences combining forest bathing, drumming and land art in the form of half day and day retreats in some of the most unique and beautiful venues in and around Hertfordshire.
Keep an eye out on the workshops page for details.