Introducing.. my latest Love Heart limited edition print...

I am soo excited to be launching the latest in my ‘Love Heart’ series.. ‘Love Thame’ is a layered piece inspired by heart motifs and it tells a bit about the history, places and stories around this beautiful town in Oxfordshire. The limited edition print launches during the fabulous ‘Thame Art Crawl’ ( Many venues throughout Thame 15-18th October showing some superb artists.. !)

So..let me tell you the story of the piece.. The idea started a few years ago in Portugal.. where I found a wonderful shop selling antique ex-votos or Milagros….

• In Spanish, the word milagro literally means miracle or surprise.

• also known as an ex-voto or dijes or promesas) are folk charms traditionally used for healing.

• come in a variety of shapes and materials, depending on local customs.

• can be offered as a reminder of a hope, or in gratitude.

• symbolism is not universal.. a heart might represent love of a person, place or many other interpretations.

• carried for protection and good luck

'The Love Heart Series..’

This series of prints captures the passion and happiness a particular place can evoke. Inspired by amulets and milagros (ancient symbols of love and protection) the heart symbols reference local places, landmarks, discovered details and histories. The expressive brushstrokes are inspired by map references and symbols, as if taking a journey around the town and local area. Fragments of music scores, architectural elements, patterns, historical information, recipes, ancient script and maps are often included to tell the story of a place. Part of a series of original paintings where the love hearts illustrate the passions we all hold for places, travel, nature... the list is endless!

‘Love Thame’

A beautiful town in Oxfordshire situated on the river Thame. The piece includes references to the town crest and the old Thame School Crest along with the fabulous clock tower and the sign for ‘The Spread Eagle Hotel’ as well as the stone carving above the Thame Museum. I also referenced features from other local places including the spires from Oxford Colleges and nature, patterns signs and motifs I spotted on my journey in and around the town.