Hope Bourne Inspiration and Copper Beech

Last week I saw a film by the photographer Chris Chapman about the life of Hope Bourne, a gifted artist and writer who lived an extraordinary life on Exmoor. Her philosophy and take on life was both moving and uplifting... 

“Money as such is a useful invention, making commerce possible beyond the state of barter. A moderate amount is necessary to us all - but consider: of all the things you buy, that which you buy dearest of all is money. For money you sell the hours, the days of your life, which are the only true wealth you have. You sell the sunshine, the dawn and the dusk , the moon and the stars, the wind and the rain, the green fields and the flowers, the rivers and the sweet fresh air. You sell health and joy and freedom” 
― Hope L. Bourne

I've been selling the hours printing cushions. I wondered if Beech leaves, bronze foil and raw linen would be a interesting combination to evoke a sense of Copper Beech..?


I've had two lovely Q & A blog features about my work recently :

The first by Stacey Sheppard on her fab Interiors/design blog 'Design Sheppard' here

The second by Country Homes and Interiors on their Country Days Blog here

Colour from the Season - Owl Feather brown

I was given some feathers from a Tawny Owl some time ago (also a Woodpecker), however this is the first moment that I've felt in quite the right mood to draw them!

Serrated and fringed wing feathers and fluffy down feathers, make the Owls flight almost silent. The colours themselves are also quietly beautiful - late Autumnal maybe?

Being without Chip was like life without colour, so last week I decided to look for a dog who was needing a home - and Luna moved in on Monday...

"There is always something left to love"

(Gabriel Garcia Marques,
100 Years of Solitude)