I have always wanted my own art journey to include supporting other artists - whether this be through joint exhibitions, a simple message of support, guidance with techniques and in the future hopefully even more than this. As a start I would like to begin by sharing the work of other artists through my blogs.

I take great pleasure in introducing to you the first Artist to feature on my blog - Lauren Luchesse. Lauren and I met through Instagram and she has been an incredible support to me from the start of my journey.

So now a bit more about Lauren and her work…

How do I even define myself?

Am I an 'artist'? Not full time...not a fine artist anyway. I'd probably call myself a professional creative as I work full time in the creative sector. I have a BA and MA from the Universities of South Wales and Glamorgan respectively, but I'm originally a Yorkshire lass. For the last 8 years I've been working for Halo, an agency based in the centre of Bristol as a Senior Creative Artworker, which is kind of like a more technically oriented graphic designer. The work usually involves a lot of checking / building technical cutters for packaging, proof reading, and thoroughly understanding print process. I may also do some more creative things like designing adverts, brochures, packaging or even do some illustration, image retouching and photography. The role is varied and certainly keeps me on my toes! 

In recent years however, I've found it doesn't entirely satisfy that creative itch. I've always drawn, painted and made things. I'm also proficient at a lathe working with wood, making bowls or other ornaments or with wire sculpting or clay. But I've always loved seeking true depictions of animals and nature through whatever medium I happen to feel like using! I think my true calling in this regard is natural history art and/or botanical art – art with a specific purpose to scientifically record a subject for reference and education. I've always had a soft spot for bees and these will always be my go-to subject, though I do like to dabble and mix different styles... I even like making contemporary abstracts which have recently been driven by my synaesthesia, so totally the other end of the spectrum. 

It was in 2016 however, that prolific experimentation led me to create my online store LarkspurGallery on Etsy. I suddenly found that my tiny flat was filling up with work, some of which I felt people may like and decided to see if anyone would be interested in purchasing any. So I went to my nearest social hive-mind (Facebook) and put it out there. The response was so overwhelmingly positive I couldn't ignore it and LarkspurGallery was born! This wasn't, and never has been a money-making endeavour. My base aim regarding 'money-making' has always been to make back my materials costs (and some time if I can get it). I've only ever wanted to have the ability to satisfy my creative drive without paupering myself buying materials... Art supplies are expensive!

What are your earliest or most prominent memories that involve creativity? OR Have you always been creative or has it been something that has developed later in your life? (whichever you think works best)

I'd say I've always been creative. One of my first memories is holding a pencil. Apparently I learned to do this properly at 9 months old, but I can't say for certain if this first pencil grasp is the memory I have. At 8 my art teacher told my parents that I had the drawing ability of an adult, but even then I was drawing pictures of animals as gifts in graphite for family members, so this didn't come as a shock. I also remember being totally obsessed at 5 years old with drawing maps! I'd sprawl on the floor with some of my dad's drawing velum (he was an engineer) while he wrote his book, and I'd spend months drawing the British Isles. This is probably what ruined my eye sight haha. I've always maintained though, that being able to draw is something that can be learned and is fundamentally down to just breaking the subject up into a series of shapes and practicing. I can honestly say that I've been practicing at virtually everything creative my whole life.

What inspires your work, including any artists you might be inspired by?

I certainly have a natural curiosity which drives me. I have a burning need to know how something has been made/drawn etc. Additionally, if I don't do something about the 'itch' I become very depressed so I try to keep busy. I don't watch TV but I do play computer games, particularly World of Warcraft which has been a constant in my life since its inception back in 2004. I'd definitely list this as a source of inspiration - the game art for it has always been breathtaking. I learned how to do digital art and matte painting as a result of this, and recently even did some for a large campaign at work for a cider company which went out nationally!

Nature is also the one subject I always pull from. I love animals, insects and flowers but landscapes are also inspiring. Even with my more contemporary pieces I'm seeking to mix my synaesthetic responses with expressing nature and the environment, particularly oceans and rivers, to convey a sense of movement and vastness that might be seen as if looking down on the Earth from above. For those who haven't heard about synaesthesia before, here's a good link to check out: http://www.uksynaesthesia.com. Synaesthesia is not 'spiritual' or anything like that. It has more to do with how the brain is wired and is estimated that around 4% of the population experience some form of synaesthesia. Mine manifests as colours or flavours on entering a place or meeting someone. For instance, Avonmouth near Bristol is a horrible mustard colour to me, and for no other reason than this I'll drive out of my way to avoid it. Totally ridiculous!

As for drawing inspiration from others, there are many whom I admire and have studied. Of course, there will always be old masters such as Michael Angelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Botticelli and more recent masters like Turner and Rothko in things like this, but there are also those whom I've found through stumbling about online. Ben Rothery (@brillustrations) jumps to the forefront of my mind – a stunningly gifted natural history artist who has recently published two books which are currently available at The Natural History Museum in London, as well as online. Another natural history favourite is Carim Nahaboo (@carim_nahaboo), who specialises in and breeds his own insects! The other shining light in this set is Cath Hodsman who runs workshops on painting insects, their zoology and conservation. A truly wonderful and inspirational lady (www.cathhodsmanwildlifeartist.com). Leading my botanical art inspired leanings is Jackie Isard, a good friend and fellow of the SBA (@jackieisard). There's also Jessica R Shepherd (@inkyleaves) who creates huge pieces in stunningly vivid colours. The detail of her work always shocks me. 

 ...I started compiling this list thinking it would be relatively short. Now I see its just going to get a bit mad; essentially here's my list of other must-see artists whom I've followed for a long time and are all sources of constant inspiration to me. In no particular oder: 

DIGITAL: Sparth (@sparth), Danny Beck (@hamstersandmonsters / @dannybeckart). 

HIGH FLOW / ABSTRACT: Emma Lindström (@lindstrom.emma), Katie Simpson (@the.fluid.fox), Angla Fehr (@angelfehr), Flo Lee (@florenceleeandco ...but you knew this already ;) ) Paul Bennett (@paulbennettartist) 

WILDLIFE & NATURE:Tom Shepherd (@tomshepherdartist), Jenna von Benedikt (@jennavonbenediktart), Tom Strutton (@tomstrutton), Joelly Louise Cright (@joellylouise.artist), Andera Lavery (@alaveryart), Carla Grace (@carla_grace_art), April Coppini (@aprilcopini), Christina Simon (@christinasimon.art).

BOTANICAL/ NATURAL HISTORY: Heidi Willis (@heidiwillisart), Katia Petrowskaia (@k.petrowskaia), Vivienne Rew (@vivrewbotanicalart_)

What advice would you give anyone to keep themselves motivated creatively?

Try new things! Not sure about a medium? Try it! Not sure if something will work? Try it! What's the worst that could happen? The best is surely having an insight you didn't have before and being able to apply it to your usual practice. Just keep learning and be fearless.

In your creative journey so far, is there anything you have found difficult or challenging?

Haha - at work not getting 'married' to your work / taking direction from clients and having to make something excellent, beautiful and or functional, truly shit. There's a a quote by Sir Alec Issigonis which I've taken to heart to protect my sanity; "A camel is a horse, designed by a comittee", and in the commercial creative industries this is the truest, most painful thing to experience. A client ruining your work because their idea, for no other reason than it is their idea, is better. And I say 'they' because there is almost always more than one person driving the change. Usually they don't even know what they want... At home I'd say not spending my entire month's pay check on art supplies!

What do you feel has been your biggest creative accomplishment?

At work I'd say the digital art I did for the afore mentioned cider campaign which used my digital illustrations. The work took over a year to complete with 12 hour work days and no lunch breaks for 6 months, made me mentally and physically unwell, and I can honestly say I never want to experience having to create anything like it again, but accomplish it I did. And it almost killed me.

At home it's probably my tulip painting in watercolour. Over 300 hours of detail squinting and battling with gum arabic drying patterns on the black background was worth it. It's my most detailed piece to date and required me to call on every part of skill I had to get it done accurately (and not break down crying in the process).

 What are you working on at the moment?

I'm about to start a new entomological painting in watercolour for a book, but I can't share too much on that right now. Otherwise I'm having fun free pouring my acrylics (on the floor) as I create more Worldscapes. Honestly, I've ruined the garage. I'm not sure my husband will ever forgive me! Hahaa. I also really need to finish those two rutting deer I started nearly 3 years ago... that's a definite must do this year!

 Where can we purchase or view your work, and how do people get in touch for commissions?

For purchasing or enquiries heading over to my Etsy store LarkspurGallery is a good place to start, otherwise just message me on email at lauren.at.larkspur@gmail.com or my Instagram @lauren.at.larkspur. Viewing is best done on Instagram. Anything I post on Instagram is for sale unless otherwise stated in the description. I also have other work (mainly acrylic abstracts) I haven't posted or listed yet so if you like the style of something sold, asking me if I have anything else like it will always get a response too. Regarding commissions: I tend not to take fine detail ones due to my limited time at home to work on such things, but I'm perfectly happy to do a Worldscape. If you are interested please get in touch so we can discuss your requirements and I can give you a quote and time estimates.

Lauren is an inspiration not just because of her artistic and creative ability but also because of the fantastic support and advice she gives to others. I am extremely grateful to have met Lauren and look forward to following more of her creative journey…. and I will eventually find time to take her up on her kind offer of giving me a drawing lesson in her studio!!!

Artists- Please get in touch if you would like to share your story on my website, I am excited by the opportunity to help other creatives out there- “community over competition” - please just drop me an email on hello@florenceleeandco.com