Spring Arrives in Southwest France: Studio Reflections

April in the Gers is a time of vibrant transformation, both in the landscape and inside my studio.

Nature's Reawakening

The countryside is alive with colour and song. The primulas, in shades of off-white and magenta, which created a lively carpet in the flowerbed facing my front door  are just giving way under the fresh new leaves and flowers of a white potentilla. A grevillea, planted just a couple of years ago, extends its spiny, vividly green branches covered in small red flowers—a display that began modestly in January and is just now ceding pride of place to a large French lavender.

As the evenings lengthen, with the sun setting around 8:45 pm, the air fills with bird song, including the delightful seasonal trilling nightingales. A beautiful backdrop to everyday life.

Studio Musings and Global Consciousness

While the beauty of spring offers inspiration, it's a stark contrast to the weight of global events. Every day the news from Palestine and Sudan is a brutal reminder of the world's complexities. I have a deep admiration for those who risk their safety to bring these stories to light, ensuring they aren't relegated to mere footnotes in the news cycle.

The events they report strike a particular chord: because much of my youth, was spent participating in demonstrations against the Vietnam War. Activism was the backdrop of my upbringing, instilling a lifelong commitment to peace and justice.

Balancing Creativity and Compassion

In these times, promoting my work feels like a delicate endeavour. But I believe that art and design have the power to bring comfort and connection. Through creativity, I aim to offer pieces that are not only functional but also bring a sense of peace and beauty into everyday life - at least that’s what I’m hoping.

Explore More

• Spring colours in the ColourPop Collection
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