British writer Alain De Botton recently posted on social media;
"What is art for? It has enormous prestige in our societies and yet there is considerable ongoing mystery as to its fundamental purpose..."

Alain goes on to comment on a painting of a courtyard garden by a Danish nineteenth century artist, Claus Anton Kølle, as a "sermon about not giving up, about hope, about the pleasures that still remain open to us even in dark circumstances, about our capacity for joy despite many kinds of suffering".

In our increasingly complex world, Alain's observation gives me comfort that art reflects a common value (need?) to acknowledge and celebrate the everyday pleasures and joy to live a content life - something I certainly align with in both the process of making and sharing my art.

My latest small series of paintings inspired by my garden tap into the simple pleasure of gardening, nature and creativity. I hope they provide you with some joy also.