On Saturday September 14th I hosted a preview of my new collection ‘Inspired By Asia’ to celebrate my Open Studio weekend 21 & 22 September.
It was such a glorious afternoon spent with a group of inspiring and talented bloggers and photographers.
Chloe from Seven Sisters’ Spices prepared a delicious lunch for us all
Something special happens when a group of strong women gather together and the magical energy that filled my space was palpable.
I really wanted to share with them how much I appreciate their support and encouragement so in a very brave moment I gave a little welcome speech!
“So wonderful to be in a space full of so many amazing creative women! Thank you all so much for being here today. I really appreciate your support and encouragement!
For those of you who don’t know me yet I just wanted to introduce myself and explain a little bit about what I am trying to achieve here.
I suppose I feel more and more that creativity is a gift and that I have been incredibly blessed to be able to spend my life following my dreams. I think I am at a more thoughtful stage in my life and feeling the need to clarify my position and intentions. I would like to find ways to share my work and to inspire others to keep making good decisions.
I think that we live in troubled times and that now more than ever we need to look toward the light. To celebrate and help each other. To encourage and to keep the faith that there is always sunshine after the rain.
I think the world needs more female energy. To embrace a passion for protection and nurturing rather than power and destruction.
I also believe humans need beauty and hope and that true art can transcend time and distance and that if we look carefully we will find inspiration everywhere.
I think if we find like minded souls and work together with integrity and passion we can achieve miracles.
If I were asked what do I represent…..
I represent life and hope and beauty. I believe in the power of a clear ambition, precise wishes and baby steps!!”
Do visit the amazing Instagram accounts of the fabulous ladies I had the pleasure of spending the afternoon with:
“I had such a lovely afternoon Saturday, filled with dappled sunshine, art, flowers and inspiring conversation. The artist @jessicazoobart invited a group of women (tagged in photo) to her studio, which is nestled in the peaceful East Sussex countryside. We were there to preview Jessica’s artworks, ahead of her ‘Inspired by Asia’ Open Studio next weekend (21st & 22nd September).
I’ve been following Jessica on instagram for years, so I was really excited to meet her in person and get to wander around her studio. We sipped elderflower spritzes and admired the gorgeous colours in Jessica’s canvases, before dispersing into little groups to mingle and chat; some piling onto cushions by the pond; some in the garden; others collecting round the tea table.
I’ve come back to London feeling rejuvenated and inspired, remembering some of Jessica’s words: ‘if we find like-minded souls and work together with integrity and passion, we can achieve miracles.” @mirandasnotebook
“It was heavenly and your new works are out of this world. Thank you for a gorgeous day” @laurabutlermadden
“It’s one of my favourite things to do, coming down to beautiful Lewes and to get to spend the weekend with my favourite women. Yesterday was a joy, a fill you up to the top kind of day. ” @teawithruby
“It was a wonderful afternoon, thank you for bringing us all together and for sharing your beautiful new collection with us x” @humphreyandgrace
“Such HUGE thanks Jessica for a truly magical afternoon. Feeling so grateful to have been a part of such a special event surrounded by your glorious art and in the company of such inspiring and talented Women ” – @kinship_creativedc
“Thank you so much for bringing us all together! I loved spending time with you and meeting so many inspiring women. Your new work is truly beautiful xx “@lewesmap
“Thank you so much for yesterday! I really did have a wonderful afternoon and absolutely LOVE your work. I’ve put a painting on my wish list! ” x @melaniejadedesign
“Thank you so much for having Lola and I Jessica, I’m so happy she got to meet you and all the other wonderful women yesterday, and see your beautiful work – such a gorgeous day “@tamsynmorgans
“Thanks so much for inviting me to such a lovely event with so many inspiring women gathered together your work is just heavenly xx ” @jannelford
On Saturday, I had the pleasure of visiting @jessicazoobart in her studio in Sussex to view her new collection. The space is instantly calming, the paintings are so mesmerising, the textures and colour palette of the ones I liked most made me feel tranquil and peaceful. What a beautiful afternoon, such a pleasure to spend it with you Jessica surrounded by your calming, inspirational art and the wonderful group of women you gathered together x @catherine_frawley
‘INSPIRED BY ASIA’ OPEN STUDIO@
Original miniatures from £700, Limited edition prints from £69
21 & 22 September 2019
Banff Farm, Upper Clayhill, East Sussex, BN8 5RR. Get directions
12 – 6pm everyone welcome and no appointment necessary so do spread the word!
All previews are now booked but if you can’t make it at the weekend and wish to purchase please request a list of available works and prices from Georgie by emailing info@jessicazoob.com It might be possible to arrange some additional private viewings from Wednesday 25th before I leave for Hong Kong.