Friday 27 June 2014

Pastures New

The time has come for me to indulge in myself for a bit... Today I took an almighty leap towards investing in my creativity. I am embarking on a new path and will therefore sadly be leaving the Shirley Sherwood Gallery of Botanical Art.

Putting up a Sowerby, 2010
I have very much enjoyed my time working at the gallery and will forever cherish the memories and friendships I have made whilst working there. I am proud to have been part of the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew’s staff and will be forever grateful for the kindness they showed to me. My time at Kew was invaluable and now it is time for someone else to take the baton.   


Ken, me and Laura putting up paintings for Bulbmania, 2010

The Big Draw, 2010

The Big Draw, 2010

Billy Showell's book launch and signing, 2010

Wendy Hollander's book signing, 2010


Marianne North being restored, 2010

Picnic's in Kew with Henry and my bicycle, 2011

Snowy day in Kew, February 2012

Kew the Music, Tim Minchin, 2012

Oxana and moi in Kew Gardens, 2012

David Nash install, Autumn 2012

Cairn Column, David Nash, 2012


Masumi demonstrating her skills, 2011

Special dinner in the Temperate House, 2013
Christmas lights at Kew Gardens, 2013
Ending on a high - Rory McEwen's wall of tulips, 2013

So I have 19 working days left. I want you all to know that will always do my best to keep you informed about the upcoming exhibitions at Kew, whilst hopefully making Inky Leaves much more focused on my own work which, with any luck, is about to get the time it needs to really develop and grow.

12 comments:

  1. Go for it Jessica! If you want to do something do it now while you are young!

    I will miss you every time I will visit Kew from now on, it was so nice to see you at the gallery. But things change, as they must... and we will meet at exhibitions and secret gardens :)

    All the best to you, and don't worry, you will do just fine!!! xxx

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    1. Thanks Alena! I am looking forward to this next phase of my life but am a bit scared. We shall see how it goes - it'll be fun and free whatever happens and I will be enjoying myself at my drawing board for sure. I will miss seeing you too. We shall have to meet at other botanical art shows now and maybe we can meet as visitors at Kew in the future?!

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  2. I am travelling with a variable wifi signal and just managed to see this post. I am so sad that Kew will be loosing you, as you have been so spectacular in your role at the Sherwood Gallery, and given us all such a lot of inspiration and endless, invaluable information. However, as one door closes and another opens, the world is your oyster now, and I wish you huge success with your work as it moves into its next event. I'll be smiling and cheering you on all the way. Lots and lots of Love from Coral.

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    1. Aww thanks Coral. I am so glad that you found my posts informative and inspiring. I am sad to be leaving Kew, but I feel I have come to a point where I have to start this venture of painting and to put more hours into it. I originally asked to go part time, but it wasn't really something they wanted to do and I am glad in a way as it's forced me to jump and make a stronger commitment to my art. Exciting days!

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  3. I'll miss seeing you at the gallery and wish you well for future endeavours

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    1. Thanks Katherine! It's just reached the time for a change and to start something new. I will miss Kew and seeing you there regularly. It'll be mostly at RHS and SBA shows where we will meet now I suppose!

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  4. In bocca al lupo Jessica. !!!! Changesa are always new breath and life!

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    1. Thanks Renata! Time for a change and to start something new. It's so nice to have a bit of breathing room, but I will miss Kew for sure.

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  5. A lot of people will miss you at the gallery Jess.

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    1. Thanks mum, yes I have been pretty blown away by everyone's response. I am deeply touched.

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  6. Good Luck Jess. Kew's loss is the worlds gain, as even more people, will now be able to see your amazing talent. Success is coming your way.
    Cx

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    1. Thanks Chris! Can't wait to start this adventure

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