As you may have already seen, we are running a showcase of our wonderful makers and their products as part of Museum Shop Sunday, an ‘international celebration of cultural retail’ which is designed to show the way in which museum shops support makers and sustain the future of museums.
For our second spotlight, we want to tell you about our range of artwork and cards by Debbie Davidge, who is a self-taught artist working within the mediums of watercolour, acrylic and soft pastels.
We spoke to Debbie about her journey with her artwork:
“After moving to Navenby, from Leicestershire, and also being an American citizen, I have always celebrated Halloween from a small child into adulthood. I decided to paint some pumpkins, one year – never having painted them before and they worked well. I then explored about joining a local Art Group and the journey began there.
Never having picked up an artist paintbrush before and with the guidance and support of the local art group, plus watching YouTube videos, and taking part in Workshops and completing an online course with the London College of Art (during lockdown) in Painting and Drawing and receiving a Merit Diploma for my year’s course, the ‘painting bug’ really took hold!
Since then, I have attended regular Art & Craft Fairs across Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire. I have taken part in the local Artists of Navenby Art Group Exhibitions every year since May 2018 and also took part in solo and joint art exhibitions ranging from the Caistor Heritage Centre, Vale of Belvoir Rotary Club Art Exhibitions, Gallery at St Martin’s in Lincoln, alongside Harding House Gallery in Steep Hill and The Rickyard Gallery in Wickenby.
I would describe my art as eclectic as I enjoy the challenge of painting different subjects letting the curiosity and creativity guide my art piece. My work is inspired by quiet moments in nature and the stillness that often goes unnoticed. I create calm, atmospheric paintings that focus on simplicity, emotion and the gentle beauty of the natural world. The mediums I use are watercolour, acrylic and soft pastels.
For me, painting is both an intuitive and deliberate process. I embrace experimentation across the mediums I use. I am drawn to painterly approaches that celebrate visual gesture and texture.
My aim is not to provide answers but to invite reflection – encouraging viewers to pause, question and discover their own meaning in the work.
I have my printed cards, which I change over on a seasonal basis, and also cards including a depiction of Mrs Smith’s Cottage and The Wash House which have always been popular in the Gift Shop at Mrs Smith’s Cottage.
There are also hand-painted miniature paintings that include miniature easels and make excellent and unique gifts. I very much appreciate the opportunity that Mrs Smith’s Cottage has given me and the lovely working relationships I have had with the staff there over many years.”
You can see more of Debbie’s work on her website www.debbiedavidgecreations.co.uk, where original artworks and prints are regularly uploaded. Home appointments are available, by prior arrangement, for viewing artworks. You can also check out Debbie’s work on social media: Facebook under Debbie Davidge Creations Artist & Instagram @debbiedavidgecreationsartist.
We are so pleased to have a range of Debbie’s work for sale in our shop! See the wonderful pictures below (used with permission) and pop in anytime we are open to have a browse. Right now we have a display of Debbie’s Christmas cards and miniatures.
Thank you for all the support so far!
#MuseumShopSunday #SustainingCulture