Saved By Seashells She Saved
During the early part of the coronovirus lockdown in March and April 2020, I collected seashells and rock pool treasures from Longsands beach. Tynemouth. This process, and the art I have been making subsequently helped me cope with a recurrence of anxiety. I gave a selection of my studio objects a shell or beach find to each hold on to. Whichever shell or curio fitted them best provided the inspiraton for the drawing. Their symbiotic embracing of their beach treasures stands for how I hold them and the healing power of Longsands close to my heart.
-
Finding A Socially Distant SeashellFinding A Socially Distant SeashellInitial sketchbook idea that developed into the "Saved By Seashells She Saved' body of work.
watercolour and pencil on paper
2020 -
Doll in Spotted Dress with Seashell, Corona Lid and BroomDoll in Spotted Dress with Seashell, Corona Lid and BroomThis images shows the drawings alongside the original objects (doll, shell, broom and beer bottle lid) that feature in them.
watercolour and pencil on paper
2020 -
Doll in Spotted Dress with Corona Lid and BroomDoll in Spotted Dress with Corona Lid and BroomDuring the Covid lockdown, the BBC produced an explanatory video about the 2m social distancing rule. It featured a reporter talking to members of the public, while holding a broom out in front of her to illustrate the space required. I was reminded of my tiny broom I used in my dolls' house and it seemed an obvious parallel to give it to this little doll I used to play with. Covid was perfectly represented by an old rusty Corona beer lid that my son found while we were beachcombing.
watercolour and pencil on paper
2020 -
Four Dolls with their Seashells, Corona Lid and BroomFour Dolls with their Seashells, Corona Lid and BroomThis images shows the drawings alongside the original objects (dolls, shelsl, broom and beer bottle lid) that feature in them.
watercolour and pencil on paper
2020 -
Fairy Doll with SeashellFairy Doll with SeashellThis shell nestles perfectly against the body of this little fairy doll from my doll's house.
watercolour and pencil on paper
2020 -
Can Can Doll with SeashellCan Can Doll with SeashellThis shell nestles perfectly against the body of this little can can doll. i found her in a bric a brac stall and thought she was gorgeous. One day I'll draw her back view..
watercolour and pencil on paper
2020 -
Bath Salt Peacock with SeashellBath Salt Peacock with SeashellI've kept this pink plastic peacock for decades. It used to hold bath salts and I loved it dearly. A wonderful way to make a toddlers' bath time magical. Now it contains this shell and holds a different sort of magic for me now that I am older and a mother.
watercolour and pencil on paper
2020 -
Circus Horse with SeashellCircus Horse with SeashellI went to Prague over 20 years ago. Back then it was quiet with no stag or hen parties and had the atmosphere of a fairy tale. I stumbled on a tiny toy shop which had a cabinet of exquisite lead figures and animals. Although I wanted the whole cabinet I could only afford one: so I chose this wonderful circus horse. This shell fits perfectly under the horse's hoof, although I did tweak the perspective slightly as I thought the shapes fitted together better that way.
watercolour and pencil on paper
2020 -
Perfume doll with SeashellPerfume doll with SeashellThis tiny vintage doll is actually a room freshener. I found her in a brac a brac stall and she has a plastic dome that fits over her. The perfume sachet would have fitted inside the green and white base. I gave her this shell fragment to hold as it is the perfect size for her and echoes the petals of the host of pink daffodils that surround her.
watercolour and pencil on paper
2020 -
Brunette Doll in Red Skirt with Corona Lid and BroomBrunette Doll in Red Skirt with Corona Lid and BroomDuring the Covid lockdown, the BBC produced an explanatory video about the 2m social distancing rule. It featured a reporter talking to members of the public, while holding a broom out in front of her to illustrate the space required. I was reminded of my tiny broom I used in my dolls' house and it seemed an obvious parallel to give it to this little doll I used to play with. Covid was perfectly represented by an old rusty Corona beer lid that my son found while we were beachcombing.
watercolour and pencil on paper
2020 -
Blonde Doll in Red Skirt with Corona Lid and BroomBlonde Doll in Red Skirt with Corona Lid and BroomDuring the Covid lockdown, the BBC produced an explanatory video about the 2m social distancing rule. It featured a reporter talking to members of the public, while holding a broom out in front of her to illustrate the space required. I was reminded of my tiny broom I used in my dolls' house and it seemed an obvious parallel to give it to this little doll I used to play with. Covid was perfectly represented by an old rusty Corona beer lid that my son found while we were beachcombing.
watercolour and pencil on paper
2020 -
Blonde Doll in Homemade Dress with Corona Lid and BroomBlonde Doll in Homemade Dress with Corona Lid and BroomDuring the Covid lockdown, the BBC produced an explanatory video about the 2m social distancing rule. It featured a reporter talking to members of the public, while holding a broom out in front of her to illustrate the space required. I was reminded of my tiny broom I used in my dolls' house and it seemed an obvious parallel to give it to this little doll I used to play with. Covid was perfectly represented by an old rusty Corona beer lid that my son found while we were beachcombing.
watercolour and pencil on paper
2020 -
Brunette Doll in Red Skirt with ShellBrunette Doll in Red Skirt with Shell
watercolour and pencil on paper
2020 -
Blonde Doll in Red Skirt with ShellBlonde Doll in Red Skirt with Shell
watercolour and pencil on paper
2020 -
Blonde Doll in Homemade Dress with ShellBlonde Doll in Homemade Dress with Shell