In the May issue of East Leake Local News, we asked readers to tell us about your creative endeavours born out of lockdown, here’s what three of you said:
Painting wild
During lockdown, Jessica Spence from East Leake brought some colour and wildlife to a relative’s allotment by painting flowers and bees.
Jessica said, “As an illustration student at the University of Derby, I’ve had plenty of time to get creative. However, due to the pandemic, most of my work has been primarily digital.
“As fun as it has been learning new skills, I’ll always love the way it feels to pick up a brush and paints.
“During the construction of my Nan’s new allotment, I was given the opportunity to get arty and although it is not yet finished, I hope to cover the entire front gate in bumble bees and daisies! Getting out in the fresh air and painting has brought some much needed down time and has made me appreciate just how important it is to keep your hand in traditional art media.”
You can follow her on Instagram here: @myart_spence.
-
- Jessica Spence at the allottment
-
- Jessica’s bumble bee
Unique cards
Independent artist and teacher, Lorna Lavin from East Leake, has been creating unique handmade cards since lockdown. She said, “Art was my chosen Specialism when studying for a B.Ed (Hons.) Degree and whilst continuing my passion for the creative arts I had never seriously pursued any thoughts to sell any of the artwork that I had produced.
“But after friends constantly pushing the idea during lockdown, I decided to take a leap of faith and in March I started my new venture “Uniquely Lola Designs”.
“I design with acrylics to create hand painted miniature abstract paintings, each piece is unique, no two are the same and only high-quality materials are used. Each miniature is mounted within a square card which can easily be framed or given as a special occasion greetings card, framed by the recipient, becoming a keepsake.
“In some of my pieces I use a technique which creates random patterns and shapes which cannot be replicated, making them original, unique and one of a kind. My inspiration comes from Mother Nature, music and the quirky side of life!”
To purchase a card, visit: www.etsy.com/uk/shop/UniquelyLola or you can pick one up from Ruddington Post Office and the Lavender Room in Hoby. Follow her on Instagram: @uniquely_lola
-
- Cards by Lorna Lavin
-
- Cards by Lorna Lavin
Garden make-over
East Leake resident Sarah Dickinson gave her back garden a make-over during lockdown. She said, “When I was furloughed from my full-time job, I was more than happy to be at home and get creative.
“I re-designed our back garden and painted an uplifting mural on our garage wall. I drew out the plans and designs. We had people in to do the hard landscaping and the patio, but all the design and planting was down to me. I also dug a small pond, moved vegetable beds and painted the fence and shed.
“The wall was only completed this year because of weather conditions. My neighbours also love it!”
-
- Sarah’s garden mural
-
- Sarah’s garden makeover
If you would like to share your lockdown creations and you live in Beeston, Clifton, Calverton, Burton Joyce, West Bridgford, East Leake or Rushcliffe, and the surrounding areas, please send details and photographs to [email protected].