Sara Holden

My passion for all things creative started at an early age. I would be the child sending in my efforts to TV's 'Tony Hart' and eagerly awaiting the latest project on 'Blue Peter' to recreate. Growing up in Cornwall I'm sure subconsciously I was influenced by its rich culture and diverse landscape, which during my college years I had the chance to explore in my trusty Mini City, ending up in such places as Bodmin Moor or up Frenchman's Creek! All in the name of art, to sit (normally freezing) capturing the perfect scene.

I was fortunate enough to gain a place studying HND Illustration at Falmouth Art College which I graduated from in 1995. This, now a Degree Course, I would highly recommend as I learnt so much, indeed it was during this time I developed my trademark swirling style.

After a couple of years working in a department store (which I call my wilderness years) still painting when possible, I was offered a job to manage The Picture House Gallery at St Mawes. This was the start of a happy chapter living and working in St Mawes then after a couple of years going on to run the Padstow branch also. I was somehow still able to find time to paint, building up a following for my own work as well as other artists. The knowledge I gained working for the Picture House and the interaction with artists and customers alike was invaluable, but after nine years it was time to move on and concentrate more on my own painting career. Leaving a full time job was quite daunting but at the same time liberating. It was great to finally have the time to commit to exhibitions and branch out into new galleries which is why my first solo show wasn't until 2008!

I am still lucky enough to live on the beautiful Roseland Peninsula in the picturesque village of Gerrans where there are amazing walks in all directions. Two or three beaches are minutes away where I love to search for sea glass and other bits of treasure!

Whilst out and about, I have my camera and sketch book with me to note down ideas, then back at the studio, I'll work out designs from my photographs and a good dose of imagination. My aim is to convey the natural rhythms of the local geography within swirls to create a design that flows and gives the illusion of movement. The colours I use are as closely considered as the composition and unique to each piece which, hopefully, keeps my work fresh and vibrant.

Other aspects to my swirly style are quirky underwater scenes featuring sea life in various situations. Look out for lobsters in pots, seals in a reel and the great white shark of Padstow!