A personal note

Studio Move / Future Projects / Health & Healing

So, here we are at the end of 2024 and I’ve joined the Breast Cancer Club. This was not on the list of things to achieve this year, not exactly something I applied for or suspected. There’s no members-only jacket, but I did get handed a squishy little prosthetic, known as a softie. Naturally, I asked if I could upgrade to a squeaky one!

Sketchbook diary - "I'm interested in these two lumps"

Let me REWIND, The last quarter of the year has felt like stepping into a time warp. One moment, I was celebrating my birthday, and the next, I was wading through lots of tests: mammogram, ultrasound, biopsy, MRI scans and Doctor appointments — each step dished out more puzzle pieces to a diagnosis and treatment plan.

One lovely SURPRISE amidst the surreal was walking into the hospital ward on the day of my mastectomy surgery and finding a familiar face - Nurse Lynn, who has attended a few of my art workshops. She recognised my name and made sure I was on her ward list to look after that day. Her warm smile and kind energy reminded me that connection turns up in the most unexpected places and with great synchronicity she was already booked onto my Christmas Robin workshop the following weekend and took the opportunity to exude care and compassion in my direction that day, whilst I managed “business as usual”.

Nurse Lynn (right)

“Business as usual” has been a useful strategy to get through this wobbly time, albeit I was a bit late in preparing my membership “Inside the Studio - 2025” project plan. Recently I’ve been able to catch-up with myself and I’m pleased as punch to say it’s now ready! Click on the photo for more information.

All of this happened just as I started my Children’s Book Illustration Masters program at the Cambridge School of Art in September. I distinctly remember week one feeling very lucky to be on the program then week two everything literally went tits-up. I worried about how all this would impact my studies, it’s an intense pace that requires full commitment, but the tutors and my Cambridge landlady, Jane been wonderfully supportive, facilitating ease for me as I weave in and out of appointments shuttling to and fro the two ‘shires and my uni pals gifted me a card with a blue tit on it—a cheeky nod that had me laughing all the way back home as I prepared for surgery.

I’ve had lots of incredible support from Husband Mo, close friends and my Tewkesbury Loft studio landlord and the brilliant Becky, all offering all kinds of solutions as I worried about what was ahead. In the end, for ease and simplicity I’ve decided to move back to the COWSHED STUDIO and host workshops there. Think cosy, cottage-core vibes—a space filled with tea, laughter, and creativity. It feels like the right step, a comforting nest to work from while figure my way through this and from time to time I will travel out to venues to hold pop-up studios for a variety of workshops (Builth Wells Golf Club, Newbridge Quackers, Twyning Village Hall, Stensham Village Hall, Beverley Barn in Yorkshire and The Malt Kiln, Bardsea in Cumbria are already booked).

I’m looking forward to welcoming you into my creative space and I’ll share a Cowshed Studio tour soon and directions to find the studio (just 3 miles outside of Tewkesbury) will be sent to those folk booked on workshops.

The Cowshed Studio - Twyning, Gloucestershire

It’s funny how life gives you NUDGES. My first mammogram wasn’t on my radar at all. Then I hit that special age of 50 and as lovely birthday cards arrived so did an NHS invitation for a scan. I almost mucked up the dates, but life sent me clues. First, I saw a breast awareness knitted knocker zip-tied to a street sign outside my studio in town. Then, every service station stop en-route to Cambridge had posters on the back of the loo door reminding folk to “Touch, Look, Check.” I haven’t shared this journey widely until now, mostly because I’ve been gathering facts and mentally preparing for what was to come. But as I write this, I realise how important it is to share. If nudging one of you to attend your mammogram appointment - then it’s worth it, right?

Meanwhile you won’t believe the timing of this …

“Lions at Large - The Pride of Gloucestershire Sculpture Trail" is happening next year and long before I had any clue of being diagnosed with cancer, I applied to join the pride as one of the sculpture artists. It caught my eye because I’m a Leo lion.

Over 30 large lions will make up the sculpture trail

I learnt that Lions represent the courage of all those who face cancer, not only as a patient but also as a loved one. Lions work as a pride (family) to survive. The Lions in Cheltenham and Gloucester will be ‘The Pride of Gloucestershire’, as will the new cancer facilities funded by The Big Space Cancer Appeal. Once the Lions have left, their part in funding a centre of excellence for cancer in Gloucestershire will remain as a lasting legacy.

My design “The Kintsugi Lion” has been shortlisted for the Sculpture Sponsors selection event in January. That’s where the sponsors pick their favourite designs which will then be created by the artists. Kintsugi is the Japanese art of putting broken pottery pieces back together with gold — built on the idea that in embracing flaws and imperfections, you can create an even stronger, more beautiful piece of art. Every break is unique and instead of repairing an item like new, the 400-year-old technique actually highlights the "scars" as a part of the design. Using this as a metaphor for healing ourselves teaches us an important lesson: Sometimes in the process of repairing things that have broken, we actually create something more unique, beautiful and resilient.

Fingers crossed the my Kintsugi Lion makes it through to the final selection.

There are many among us who have walked a similar path of diagnosis, it’s more common than we realise, in someway shape or form we are all affected by cancer. Either directly or we’re a carer, friend, family or co-worker. If I’ve seen you in recent months pleased don’t be offended that I didn’t share this news with you there and then, it’s because it was difficult and I needed to get through a bit of it first. But I’m so glad you’re here and I thank you for walking this path with me and hey, if YOU ever get handed a softie, do me a favour and ask if they’ve started making the squeaky ones!

Here’s to a Kintsugi - unique, beautiful and resilient 2025 for us all, ❤️ Sam x

Useful links:

• Workshops - lots to choose from

• Commission Enquiries - more information and send through your ideas

• Inside The Studio membership - Monthly painting projects (join / cancel anytime)

• Original Paintings available - watch out for a demonstration painting sale

• Prints available - canvas or fine art paper prints