ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT
KENT ARTIST PROFILE
VANESSA CLARK
FOLKESTONE LOCAL , VANESSA CLARK IS AN INSPIRATIONAL ARTIST WHOSE VIVID FINE ART PAINTINGS ARE CLEVERLY WOVEN WITH INSPIRATION FROM THE SEASIDE TOWN ’ S GLISTENING COAST AND BRIGHT BEACH HUTS . KNOWN FOR HER VIBRANT WORKS WHICH ARE BURSTING WITH COLOUR AND JOY , VANESSA ALSO HOLDS REGULAR WORKSHOPS IN MOSAICS AND CRAFTING .
@ Zoltan _ Tasi
Vanessa , tell us a little bit about your artist journey and background . From a young age , my world was immersed in creativity . One of my earliest memories is spilling blue paint on my parents ’ new cream carpet and frantically trying to cover it with talcum powder - a chaotic glimpse into my future as an artist ! My childhood holidays by the seaside ignited a lifelong passion for the ocean , inspiring my abstract seascape paintings .
My first career was in the corporate world , where I climbed the ladder from being a PA to running my own project management consultancy . Despite this success , my creative spirit yearned for expression - so in the evenings I painted and created mosaics in my garden studio in Brighton .
I yearned to live by the sea full-time and be immersed in creativity . After considering several places , I settled in Folkestone . I ’ ve been here nearly four years now , surrounded by a fantastic community of artists and musicians . One memorable moment was when a lady walked past my Hot House Flowers painting in The Brewery Tap gallery , gasped , and later bought it with her husband after a delightful chat . It ’ s such a thrill to see clients ’ eyes light up and purchase my vivid , energy-filled paintings .
Do you think Kent and Folkestone have inspired your work at all ? How and in what ways ? My artistic journey is deeply influenced by the sea ’ s beauty and power . Walking to my studio along the seafront from Sandgate to Folkestone with my friend ’ s dog Coco , I ’ m inspired daily by the ocean ’ s textures and colours .
Please
tell us about the process behind creating a piece . My work focuses on texture , layers and vivid colour , embracing a fluid , spontaneous approach . I use broad strokes to establish a foundation and let my instincts guide my hand . Palette knives create ridges , peaks and valleys , adding a tactile quality to the artwork . I like to repurpose materials in my work , innovating ways to be environmentally friendly , like using tissue from packaging to create the basis for sculptures . My Buddhist practice of chanting ‘ nammyoho-renge-kyo ’ helps me go with the flow in both painting and life .
Where can we find , see and purchase your work ? You can visit me to view and purchase my paintings and mosaics or commission a mosaic piece . I have a new studio / workshop space and gallery based within The Etsy Shop , Native 3 , 60 The Old High Street , Folkestone . Follow me on Instagram @ vanessaclark _ art or visit during Folkestone ’ s open studios from the 13 - 22 of September ; for more info , follow @ openartfolke2024 . I also run mosaic and craft classes , perfect for a hen day , party or personal treat ; follow @ houseofstickyness _ for more information .
www . thehouseofstickyness . com
24 • www . insidekent . co . uk