Kalpana Soanes
Artist Quote: Expressing myself through art feels like a whole new freedom, making art a joy to create.
Kalpana Soanes, a talented artist, was born and raised in East Africa, where her passion for art blossomed as she sketched pictures in the sand along the shores. Her distinctive and flamboyant style quickly garnered attention, attracting crowds eager to witness her creative process. Embracing the interest she sparked, Kalpana began taking commissions, not seeking monetary rewards but instead accepting cake or heartfelt compliments as her payment.
Determined to hone her skills, Kalpana dedicated herself to daily practice and experimentation with various artistic techniques. She fearlessly sketched in public spaces, allowing her art to flourish while captivating passersby with her expressive works. As demand for her art grew, Kalpana started selling her creations at a remarkably young age, establishing partnerships with local businesses that eventually led to her artwork being cherished worldwide.
Despite her flourishing career, Kalpana felt a void within her as she pursued an exciting path in the realm of computers, working and living in different countries across Europe and beyond. She yearned for the simplicity and authenticity of her early days as an artist on the African shores.
The pull of her true passion could not be ignored any longer. Breaking free from the corporate world, Kalpana made a life-changing decision to embrace her inner artist fully. Settling in a picturesque British village, she dedicated herself to her craft as a full-time artist.
Kalpana’s preferred mediums of expression became acrylics and oils on canvas, often elevated with the use of mixed media. Her artwork transcends traditional boundaries, capturing the essence of emotions and experiences through vivid colours and bold strokes. Each piece tells a unique story, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in her imaginative world.
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Rik Saggers
Artist Quote: My art enables me to express my thoughts, concerns and connection with the animal world in a way that I believe and hope they exist, in a loving way towards each other but also heaped with mischief and adventure
Rik Saggers is a full-time artist based in Ipswich, UK, whose journey into the world of art was shaped by a childhood challenge. Diagnosed as colour blind, he struggled to distinguish between various hues, making art class a daunting experience. Fearful of judgement, he sought refuge in graphite, the trusty pencil, as his chosen medium. This shift allowed him to focus solely on shading and tones, eliminating the stress of handling colours and enabling him to concentrate on refining his techniques.
What initially appeared to be a hindrance turned out to be a blessing in disguise for Rik. Embracing his unique circumstances, he honed his skills through practice and perseverance. He discovered that every hurdle can be an opportunity for growth and learning. His mastery over graphite art became a distinguishing feature of his work, setting him apart as a self-taught artist with a distinctive style.
Over the course of 15 years, Rik has exhibited his artwork across the UK, leaving a mark on the art scene. His creations have garnered admiration and found homes in private collections worldwide, reaching as far as Australia, the US, and various parts of Europe. His reputation as an accomplished artist continues to grow, earning him recognition and appreciation from art enthusiasts across the globe.
Driven by his passion for animal welfare and conservation, Rik found a deeper purpose for his artistic endeavours. The tragic story of Cecil the Lion, senselessly slain by a heartless individual, struck a chord within him. In response, Rik created his signature series of drawings, aptly named “Their Fragile World.” This collection portrays animals within or around glass, symbolising the delicate balance of their natural habitats and the beauty they exude despite the precariousness of their existence. Rik’s artistic vision captures a whimsical and joyful depiction of these creatures, imagining the playful lives they might lead if given the opportunity.
Through “Their Fragile World,” Riks art transcends mere aesthetics, becoming a medium to advocate for animal rights and the need for preserving our planet’s biodiversity. His creative expressions serve as a powerful reminder of our responsibility to protect these majestic beings and the environments they inhabit.
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Laure Bury
Artist Quote: I feel excited every time I enter the studio, knowing that nothing is completely within my control and that there is always room for magic to happen
Laure Bury is a celebrated contemporary British painter, renowned for her captivating artworks that showcase vibrant landscapes, serene seascapes, and mesmerising colour compositions featuring butterflies and birds. Her artistic journey has been shaped by her experiences living in various countries, including France, Spain, and Mexico, where she absorbed diverse cultural influences that have profoundly impacted her artistic expression.
The hallmark of Laure’s paintings lies in her exceptional use of colour. The influence of her time spent in different countries is evident in her unique and diverse colour palette, which adds an extra layer of richness and depth to her artwork. Each painting becomes a mesmerising symphony of hues, transporting the viewers into a world where imagination and reality blend seamlessly.
Having settled in Devon, on the edge of Dartmoor, Laure finds inspiration in the natural beauty that surrounds her. Her love for nature is evident in her choice of subject matter, and she skilfully captures the essence of landscapes and seascapes, infusing them with a sense of tranquillity and harmony. The inclusion of butterflies and birds further enhances the poetic and dreamlike quality of her work, evoking a feeling of connection with the natural world.
What sets Laure apart as an artist is her incorporation of mindfulness into her creative process. She believes in the power of emptying her mind and allowing the flow of life to infuse her artwork. This mindful approach to painting imbues her pieces with a unique energy, which is simultaneously dynamic, serene, and uplifting. Her works become more than mere paintings; they become meditative experiences that resonate with the viewer’s soul.
Yulia Allan
Artists Quote: Art, Family, Dogs, Wine… I’m a simple girl really
We are delighted to introduce our Artist of the Month, Yulia Allan, a talented professional artist and member of Visual Arts of Association. Yulia’s artistic journey has taken her from her native Ukraine to the breathtaking landscapes of Scotland, where she now resides and creates her masterpieces.
Living and working in her home studio in Gorebridge, Midlothian, Yulia’s love for art has been a lifelong passion. She recalls painting since she can remember and cherishes the joy it brings her. Now settled in Scotland, Yulia proudly considers herself a Scottish artist, embracing her new adopted homeland with open arms.
Throughout her career, Yulia has exhibited extensively in Ukraine, showcasing her unique artistic vision to a broad audience. Her talents have been recognized through prestigious commissions, further solidifying her reputation as a gifted artist in her homeland.
Yulia’s medium of choice is oils, a traditional medium that allows her to explore her fascination with natural shades, contrasts, and textures. Her paintings breathe with life as she skillfully captures the beauty of the natural world and transfers it onto the canvas.
As a Scottish artist, Yulia’s work is heavily influenced by the mesmerising landscapes and ever-changing moods of Scotland. She finds inspiration in the country’s diverse scenery and tries to convey her own emotions, blending them harmoniously with the nature that surrounds her. Each painting she creates is a reflection of her soul and passion, making each piece truly unique and personal.
One of Yulia’s greatest strengths lies in her ability to translate the Scottish light and form onto the canvas. Her Scottish seascapes and landscapes, including scenes of Glamis and Kilchurn Castle, Loch Ness and Loch Lomond, Bass Rock, Plockton, Glen Coe, and many other areas of natural beauty, have captivated art enthusiasts and collectors alike. With every brushstroke, she preserves the essence of Scotland, preserving its soul on the canvas for all to experience and appreciate.
Yulia’s artistic journey is an ever-evolving one, as she finds herself constantly driven by her imagination and the inspiration she draws from nature. In her paintings, one can witness the seamless fusion of her creative vision and the raw beauty of Scotland’s landscapes, resulting in breath taking artworks that evoke a profound connection to the land.
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Lilamani de Silva
Artist Quote: A picture is worth a thousand words. ‘Painting is my happy place, where concerns fade, and time stands still
Lilamani de Silva, of mixed Sri Lankan and Dutch heritage is a talented artist hailing from New Zealand and currently residing in London. She embodies a lifelong passion for painting and creativity. Since a tender age, art has been an inseparable part of her existence, and she relishes any opportunity to immerse herself in the world of colours and imagination. Painting has become her sanctuary, a tranquil haven where she can contemplate and express herself freely.
Although Lilamani is self-taught, her artistic journey began early, fuelled by an insatiable creative urge and an innate sense of curiosity. However, there came a time when she had to put down her paintbrush for a while, leaving her artistry dormant. It was during this hiatus while writing, 15 Minute Pause book, that a friendly challenge from her co-author to get back to the things they loved, rekindled her desire to return to the joys of painting, sparking a resurgence of her artistic passion.
For Lilamani, painting is more than a hobby; it’s an all-consuming obsession that brings her a profound sense of peace and serenity. Working predominantly with acrylics and having dabbled with watercolours in the past, she infuses her artworks with vibrant hues, capturing the world as she sees it – bursting with life, energy, and joy. Her artwork has been featured on the Joy Cards winner of the Silver Nautilus Book Award and Bronze COVR Visionary Awards in the Mind, Body Spirit Marketplace. She has also been represented on gift cards, editorial publication and merchandising.
Her artistic vision draws inspiration from a myriad of sources. The natural world serves as a wellspring of ideas, offering boundless beauty and wonder to translate onto the canvas. Her travels expose her to diverse cultures and landscapes, enriching her artwork with a global perspective. Moreover, Lilamani’s creativity is nourished by her curiosity about life, her deeply held beliefs, cherished upbringing, and friendships.
Among her artistic influences, she pays homage to the timeless works of Masters like Van Gogh and Monet, who have left an indelible mark on the art world with their distinct styles and profound creativity. Yet, Lilamani’s art remains uniquely her own, infused with her perspective and experiences, making it a personal and authentic expression of her artistic soul.
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Gilly Hill
Artist Quote: Being creative is an essential driving force; a continuous thread in various forms through my life, it quite simply makes me feel alive
Gilly Hill is a multi-talented artist with a passion for various art forms that have shaped her creative journey since her early 20’s. Over the years, she has explored pottery, wire work, painting, and jewellery making, demonstrating her versatility and commitment to artistic expression. However, her career constraints limited her from fully dedicating herself to her art until she finally found the opportunity to immerse herself in her passion for painting while owning and curating her own art gallery.
Gilly’s artistic focus lies primarily in the realm of landscapes, a genre that allows her to capture the essence and beauty of the natural world. Having spent a significant portion of her life in Africa, she developed a profound connection to the continent’s landscapes, which frequently inspire her work. Additionally, her current residence in the UK has also influenced her artistic vision, as she now paints captivating scenes from both regions, showcasing a diverse range of environments.
Gilly’s preferred style can be described as expressive realism, a captivating blend of realism and emotional depth that infuses her artworks with life and energy. Drawing from her personal experiences and memories, she creates mesmerising depictions of African scenes and UK landscapes, skilfully translating them onto canvas, primarily using oils. What sets her work apart is the authenticity in every piece, as all her paintings are based on her own photographs, ensuring that she captures the essence of the moment with a personal touch.
The culmination of Hill’s artistic journey came in 2023 when she achieved a significant milestone in her career. Her painting titled “On the Road 2” was accepted for display in the prestigious Royal Academy of Art Summer Exhibition 2023. The honour was a testament to her talent and dedication, further solidifying her position as a respected artist in the art community. To her delight, the artwork was sold on the opening night, a remarkable achievement that reflected the widespread appreciation for her captivating creations.
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