About Me
About Me
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 I began to explore other ways to calm my nervous system, including nature therapy, sound meditation, drumming and somatic movement. I have recently discovered that I am neurodivergent and this has opened up another level of self discovery!
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. I discovered the Japanese practice of Shinrin Yoku or Forest Bathing and after some study, I qualified as a forest bathing guide and now enjoy leading experiences across Hertfordshire and surrounding areas.
I have also found an affinity with Shamanic practice, particularly drumming, which is a wonderfully healing form of deep meditation. When I am not leading Drumming in the Woods sessions, I am often found out in the woods with my drum!
Now I offer a range of creative, holistic experiences combining creativity, land art, forest bathing, drumming and dance in the form of half day and full 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.
My Art 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 in nature. 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, social prescribing. mindful art workshops shamanic drumming, reiki, forest bathing and flow dance.
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. 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 friends
I now host a monthly Arts Fair at Sunnyside Rural Trust in Hemel Hempstead. This runs from September to March annually and is an eclectic mix of artists, makers, poets, musicians and therapists.
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 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. Most recently I repainted the benches in Hemel Hempstead High Street.
Photo Gallery
