Artist Review / / Vicky Lindo

I am thrilled to be able to share some inspirational art and design with you every Tuesday morning as Rachael's 'Art and Creative Writer'. This week, we're featuring the wonderful ceramics and textiles of Vicky Lindo.

Vicky is an artist, designer and maker from Devon who has been selling her work since graduating with a craft degree from Herefordshire College of Art, in 2002.

Her muse is her cat, Meow, who often features in her beautifully embroidered textiles and hand painted ceramics. You can find out more about Vicky's fantastic work, by following her blog or visiting her online store. More lusciousness next Tuesday! Justine x

Creative Review: Nancy Nicholson

I am thrilled to be able to share some inspirational art and design with you every Tuesday morning as Rachael's 'Art and Creative Writer'. This week, we're featuring the fun folk art of Nancy Nicholson.

Nancy is a freelance graphic designer and artist, working primarily with paper and textiles. She has recently developed a collection of designs for three dimensional paper products, stitch kits for home embroidery, and a range of poster designs.

Based in Kent, Nancy is continuing a rich family heritage in textile design. Her father, Roger was a textiles lecturer at the Royal College of Art, an artist and wallpaper designer, whilst her mother, Joan, was a leading figure in the revival of stitch crafts from the 1950s through to the 70s.

I've had my eye on Nancy's gorgeous folk art embroidery kits for a while now and her website has an online shop full of goodies for you to explore. Below is a small selection of what's available from this gifted designer.

More inspiration next Tuesday, have a great week, Justine x

Artist Review: Vanessa Cooper

I am thrilled to be able to share some inspirational art with you every Tuesday morning as Rachael's new 'Art and Creative Writer'. This week, we're featuring the contemporary art of Vanessa Cooper.

Vanessa is a Hampshire based artist who's been exhibiting her paintings since 1987. She works mainly in oils, sometimes using gouache and sculpture in work which is often inspired by nature and family life.

I love the naive, flattened perspectives and folk art styling, along with the lovely colour choices which give such vitality and charm to this work. Have a beautiful week! Justine x

Artist Review: Nathaniel Mather

I am thrilled to be able to share some inspirational art with you every Tuesday morning as Rachael's new 'Art and Creative Writer'. This week, we're featuring the contemporary folk art of Nathaniel Mather.

Nathanial is a Californian, now living in Nashville, who studied at the California Institute of the Arts and Art Center College of Design. His paintings and illustrations have a primitive quality blended with a rich spiritual symbolism, expressing his need to process life's struggles. Horses and donkeys symbolise "the strength and beauty of God" whilst "birds and flowers represent human characteristics and emotions."

He uses water-based mediums on canvas or board and incorporates text, stamps and found objects into his work. I love the naive, almost graffiti style which contains so much devotion to his spiritual beliefs. More beautiful inspiration next week! Until next Tuesday, Justine x