My First Ferment
After many months of procrastination, I finally fermented! Watch a little video of my journey and discover why it’s worth giving it a go!
I've been thinking about fermenting for a good few months now.
Why?
Well, first, I love the taste of fermented foods. I am also super curious about the probiotic power of them and how they can enrich the gut microbiome - a topic which I will expand on more in the future.
Finally, shop-bought ‘live’ fermented foods [i.e. the refrigerated kind] are pretty pricey!
I had a lot of reasons to give it a go, but I have also been massively procrastinating with the how to’s!
So….
I decided to set myself a deadline - my birthday!
This was last week, and I am happy to report, on the day in question, I made my first ferment - a very basic sauerkraut recipe of cabbage, carrot, ginger and pink Himalayan salt.
I did treat myself to a couple of £3 Kilner jars, but the rest was DIY'd from what I had to hand, using cabbage leaves & shot glasses as weights and experimenting with the existing Kilner jar lid & a more breathable baking paper version.
Conclusions
The taste and texture were bang on!
I think 5 days was too short a wait time and I would like to try a longer ferment [7-14 days] to see if I can culture a richer mix of microbes.
I am also curious to buy a pH meter to get better insights. A good ferment should have a PH of below 4.5 apparently.
I am in the process of monitoring the effects on my digestive system, so will keep you posted when I’ve road tested things for a few more days :)
I am very much a novice at the start of this journey, so all tips and suggestions are hugely welcome!
The method I used was from a wonderful lady on YouTube, click the button below to see the video where she breaks the process down in more detail:
New Commission in Progress
A new commission is underway in the studio. Discover the story behind this mother and daughter dog portrait and why it is going to be a particularly special one!
Just a little behind the scenes glimpse of a new work in progress.
Introducing the beautiful Inca, a wonderful dog who I had the pleasure of meeting this Summer up and in Scotland.
These are the early stages of the portrait I am painting of her. It is part of a double commission where I will also be painting her daughter Tussac.
The fun of it is Inca’s portrait will be a digital one, which will be printed and framed, whilst Tussac’s portrait will be oil on canvas.
It is a wonderful opportunity to chart the progress of each portrait and each method, so stay tuned for further updates!
To find out more about my commission service click the button below or get in touch directly with any Qs!
Dancing in Paint
Ben and Jovana’s performance story captured in a special painting. Watch all whole journey from show stopping finale lift, my painting’s evolution and the finished framed canvas presented to Ben in the Dance Attic rehearsal studios in Fulham!
This is the story of Ben & Jovana's finale moment at the Edinburgh Salsa Congress, where they performed in January 2020 and how it inspired a painting.
I performed in the same show and wanted to see if I could explore the feelings & mood of the experience using their wonderful pose as the starting point.
These shows are a powerful synergy of elements; connecting music, movement, you with your dance partner and the audience; not to mention the weeks of training and drills that go into these precious few minutes of amazing energy.
Needless to say it was a really lovely exercise visualising these ideas in a painting.
Following completion, I discussed display options with the lovely Ben @benchaiofficial, who opted for a framed printed canvas.
I then had the honour of presenting the finished artwork to Ben after an Incognito dance training session - a beautifully fitting context given the circumstances!
Dance and painting are two of my biggest joys in life and it was magical weaving them together for this project.
Like the idea of capturing a special moment in a painting? I have something exciting in the pipeline, launching in April, so keep an eye out!
In the meantime, check out my commission service [currently fully booked until March] and feel free to contact me with any questions!
Quick shout out to the fantastic Jeff of @incognito_dance & Valentina @valedq for putting together the dance choreography that got this creative ball rolling!
Dance into 2023
The perfect way to start your year and your journey into salsa dancing! Come join me, this Saturday in Hammersmith at Incognito dance’s special 3 hour salsa workshops, where I will guide you through all the basics!
Curious to start salsa dancing in 2023?
I've got the perfect launch pad for you!
Are you free this Saturday? Incognito are holding a special 3 hour workshop to kick start your dancing!
Designed for beginner and improver levels - I'll be looking after the beginners! :)
DETAILS
Saturday 7th January, 11am - 2pm
Hammersmith salsa & Bachata club, 11 Rutland Grove Hammersmith W6 9DH
£30 in advance (£38 on the door)
For more info visit: www.incognitodance.com/3-hour-beginners-improvers-intensive-salsa-workshop/
Any Qs? Feel free to get in touch!
Also a quick shout out to the wonderful ⭐️@karolina.klave⭐️ who features with me in this video of a beginners class at Incognito's monthly Putney Party!
Celebrating 2022
Looking back at 2022 and all the interesting twists and turns it has taken me on. Watch a mini overview of the various artworks I have made and experiences I have been part of.
On the eve of a brand new year, it has been a good moment to pause and look back.
A common thread throughout 2022 has been the people I have met and the stories I have been privileged to hear and be part of.
Whether that is through the very special commissions I have worked on, each with their own particular pathos; through the conversations I have had, or through movement and dance. All of it comes down to the idea of connection, of building bridges of understanding, without judgement, and in the spirit of discovery!
I have certainly discovered much about myself in this process and am even more curious about the journeys I hope to make in 2023 and the new dialogues and insights they will bring.
Life definitely has thrown some curve balls at me, but oddly enough, the very things that seem huge obstacles could, in fact, be the calls to action in making positive change. Only time will tell!😊
Wishing you a wonderful year ahead, hopefully one in which we can all grow and apply a positive ‘Learner’s Mind’ to any challenges we face and not forgetting to celebrate the simple beauty of good friendship and community! 🥳
Thank you for all your support and interest, it is much appreciated!❤️😊🙏
A Turmeric & Ginger Boosting Brew
Discover a fabulous simple little recipe I swear by, that will comfort and nourish your immune system this festive season!
With so many friends going down with colds & flu, I wanted to share a little recipe that has really helped me and will hopefully help you too!❤️
A cut-up inch of turmeric & ginger root will brew 3-4 small pans of tea, which you can keep refilling and heating during the day. Once you're done with the roots, you can chop them up and throw them into whatever you're cooking. Waste not, want not as they say!😁
This has become a daily ritual of mine over the last few months, and I have definitely felt the benefits, being, so far, flu-free!🤞😊
I don't yet have the qualifications (although I will be working on that next year with the help of @collegeofnaturopathicmedicine !) to give more than just a personal, anecdotal recommendation, but I do urge you to give it a try and see for yourself.
The pinch of pepper is purely optional, but it certainly adds a happy kick and helps with absorbing all the beautiful benefits of this brew.
Hope you enjoy! ❤️
Do you have any variations of this recipe and experiences of it? If so, please do share in the comments below as I'd love to hear further insights and new perspectives on it! 🙏
Happy Fridaying!🙂
Goalkeeper Print Giveaway
The grand conclusion of my Goalkeeper print giveaway, launched in celebration of the world cup final. Discover who won their very own framed print of my new painting!
The power of goalkeeping was very much in force at yesterday’s World cup final, adding an extra glow of celebration to my Goalkeeper print giveaway!
I only do a couple of these giveaways a year and couldn’t resist timing this one with the finale of the World Cup!
Today I picked the winner, watch the moment in the video above!
It is with great pleasure that I congratulate Rick Addison on winning his very own framed print of my new Goalkeeper painting!
Thank you again to everyone who participated! I will be sharing lots more exciting opportunities in 2023 so keep an eye out!
Also, a huge round of applause to both the Argentinian and French football teams, who gave us a wonderful final, full of many skilled twists and turns, uniting watchers around the world in the journey they took us on!
If you would like more information about the buying options for my Goalkeeper print, please click the product listing below.
This fine art print is of my original digital oil painting of a vintage toy Goal Keeper. It was painted free hand using a stylus and pressure sensitive tablet on a computer (see videos below).
Each print from this digital painting is an original; professionally printed on beautiful Hahnemühle photo Rag paper, 308 gsm thick, with top grade, light fast, fade-resistant inks.
A great addition to a vintage themed décor scheme or gift for a football enthusiast!
SEE SHORT FILMS BELOW FOR FURTHER DETAILS ABOUT BUYING OPTIONS, ART PRINT SPECIFICATIONS AND THE STORY BEHIND THIS ARTWORK
Free UK shipping
For international shipping please contact us for a quote
A Print Win Story
Cassie won my Print Giveaway last May! Discover her story in her own words, revealing why this Dinky Aston Martin painting was so special to her.
Some of you may remember last May I ran a special giveaway to celebrate the print launch of my Dinky Aston Martin painting.
Well, Cassie was the lucky winner and here she shares her experience of receiving the print and why it was so special to her.
I only do a couple of these print giveaways a year and the last one is coming up next week, so keep your eyes peeled!
Happy Friday hopping to you all!
Our Bachata Performance Story
Happy to announce after 12 weeks of hard core training the Incognito Bachata performance team are now show ready! Watch a short video showing our journey & where you can see us perform!
I am hugely happy to announce that the Incognito Bachata performance team are now launching their brand new show!
Here's a look back over the last 12 weeks of smiles, sweat and pizza!
It has been such a beautiful journey, lead by the incredibly generous and knowledgeable Jeff & Mia who have guided, encouraged and, where needed, issued us with additional press ups to get us show ready!
Thank you @incognito_dance & @mia.amorbaila for all your hard work & support!
I've been performing with Incognito since 2018 and am in awe of the incredibly special experience they deliver with their performance courses. You learn so much and meet the most wonderful people!
And, I love this idea of striving toward a common creative goal as a collective of people, fired by passion and a desire to learn. It makes this 'show time' moment all the more rewarding and memorable!
There is also a fabulous Bachata Ladies styling show launching at the same time, created by @karolina.klave & @bonevaalex which is truly sensational and should not be missed!
Come see us at Incognito's Salsa & Bachata clubs on the following dates:
5th Dec - Wimbledon
10th Dec - Putney [special Xmas Part]
15th Dec- Earl’s Court
All info at www.incognitodance.com
Look forward to seeing some of you there!
Goal Keeper Painting Launch
Introducing my new painting, based on a vintage toy goal keeper, the perfect present for this football season! Watch a short video showing the inspiration behind this artwork as well as the creative journey. Now available as a beautiful fine art print and card, find out more about buying options.
Another vintage toy inspired painting. Part of what I love about these toys is how they can, on a miniature scale, evoke an epic energy.
This little Goal Keeper is a case in point. I found him when roaming along the stands at one Sandown Park toy fair and was instantly drawn to him and the dynamic power of his pose.
Probably based on some serious studying of football players in action, this little toy represents an extraordinary process, where life is reduced down to its essentials.
He was without football and flat down on one side when I saw him. I decided to reimagine things in painting him, launching him up into the air, in a grand finale style big save!
Pleased to report he is now available as a greetings card and fine art print.
Click Product links below to view.
This fine art print is of my original digital oil painting of a vintage toy Goal Keeper. It was painted free hand using a stylus and pressure sensitive tablet on a computer (see videos below).
Each print from this digital painting is an original; professionally printed on beautiful Hahnemühle photo Rag paper, 308 gsm thick, with top grade, light fast, fade-resistant inks.
A great addition to a vintage themed décor scheme or gift for a football enthusiast!
SEE SHORT FILMS BELOW FOR FURTHER DETAILS ABOUT BUYING OPTIONS, ART PRINT SPECIFICATIONS AND THE STORY BEHIND THIS ARTWORK
Free UK shipping
For international shipping please contact us for a quote
This is a fine art greetings card of my original digital oil painting of a vintage toy goal keeper, painted free hand using a stylus and pressure sensitive tablet on a computer (see videos below).
A great card for football enthusiasts!
SEE SHORT FILMS FOR FURTHER DETAILS ABOUT CARD SPECIFICATIONS
Free UK shipping
For international shipping please contact us for a quote
BUNDLE OFFERS AVAILABLE - SEE BELOW
A Christmas Card Spotlight
Quirky, cheerful & unique, these vintage toy inspired artworks are sure to bring a big smile to the faces of those you give them to. Available as fine art cards & prints.
Looking for unique Christmas cards this year?
Explore this quirky, cheerful collection, inspired by the energy and history of wonderful vintage toys!
Now with 2 new additions - my recently launched Cherilea Turkey & funny snowmen duo!
Available as single cards or bundle savings in packs of 3, 6 & 12.
Message for larger numbers and I can do a bespoke quote!
Snowmen Painting Launch
A vintage toy twist on a classic Christmas theme. Check out the story behind my new Snowmen painting and discover how you can buy a print or card of it for a special 20% off!
⛄Introducing my new Snowmen painting⛄
A sort of Tweedle Dee and Dum of the snowflake world!
I acquired these little vintage toy figures a few years ago and finally, this year, got round to painting them!
Happy to report they are now available as a festive fine art print [in a range of sizes/finish options] and a cheerful greeting card!
Click the product links below to browse your buying options.
This is a fine art print of my original digital oil painting of a vintage toy Snowmen, painted free hand using a stylus and pressure sensitive tablet on a computer (see videos below).
Each print from my digital painting is an original; professionally printed on beautiful Hahnemühle photo Rag paper, 308 gsm thick, with top grade, light fast, fade-resistant inks.
A great addition to a Christmas themed décor scheme or gift for Snowmen enthusiast!
SEE SHORT FILMS BELOW FOR FURTHER DETAILS ABOUT BUYING OPTIONS, ART PRINT SPECIFICATIONS AND THE STORY BEHIND THIS ARTWORK
Free UK shipping
For international shipping please contact us for a quote
This is a fine art greetings card of my original digital oil painting of a vintage toy Snowmen, painted free hand using a stylus and pressure sensitive tablet on a computer (see videos below).
A great card for Christmas and Snowmen enthusiasts!
SEE SHORT FILMS FOR FURTHER DETAILS ABOUT CARD SPECIFICATIONS
Free UK shipping
For international shipping please contact us for a quote
BUNDLE OFFERS AVAILABLE - SEE BELOW
A Thanks Giving Turkey
A Thanks Giving Turkey Celebration! Announcing the launch of my new vintage toy inspired Turkey Painting. Watch a video showing the creative journey and explore the fine art print and greeting card options available.
🦃Happy Thanks Giving to you all! 🦃
I am celebrating with the launch of my new painting of a vintage toy Turkey.
Inspired by a tiny, weathered Cherilea toy Turkey, which took me on one epic deep dive into detail!
Starting off very loose with my approach, I found that gradually, the intricate patina of this toy pulled me in, on what felt a little like a never ending journey. Trusting in the process, as one has to do with particularly complex things, I emerged the other end, happy that I kept going, and with infinite respect and admiration for this tiny toy.
AND….I am pleased to report he is now available as a lovely greeting card & fine art print!
Click the links below to view your buying options!
This is a fine art greetings card of my original digital oil painting of a vintage toy Turkey, painted free hand using a stylus and pressure sensitive tablet on a computer (see videos below).
A great card for wildlife or animal lovers and Turkey enthusiasts!
SEE SHORT FILMS FOR FURTHER DETAILS ABOUT CARD SPECIFICATIONS
Free UK shipping
For international shipping please contact us for a quote
BUNDLE OFFERS AVAILABLE - SEE BELOW
This is a fine art print of my original digital oil painting of a vintage toy Turkey, painted free hand using a stylus and pressure sensitive tablet on a computer (see videos below).
Each print from my digital painting is an original; professionally printed on beautiful Hahnemühle photo Rag paper, 308 gsm thick, with top grade, light fast, fade-resistant inks.
A great addition to a Christmas or animal themed décor scheme or gift for a Turkey enthusiast!
SEE SHORT FILMS BELOW FOR FURTHER DETAILS ABOUT BUYING OPTIONS, ART PRINT SPECIFICATIONS AND THE STORY BEHIND THIS ARTWORK
Free UK shipping
For international shipping please contact us for a quote
Harry Kane Painting Launch
Celebrating the launch of my finished painting of England football captain Harry Kane. Discover how to get hold of your very own print and greeting card of this painting.
The World Cup kicks off today. So, what better moment to launch my finished painting of England’s football captain Harry Kane.
It was inspired by a particularly powerful game played by the England Team last year, against the Ukraine, when Harry Kane contributed 2 brilliant goals to a 4 goal win.
The aim was to create a loose, dynamic portrait which captured the emotions of the moment, with Harry, in full swing, animated with arms flung open in celebration, backed by the England flag & a triumphantly netted football!
I am happy to report that this painting is now a beautiful fine art print, available in a range of finishes & sizes as well as a jolly greeting card.
So, if you've been on the look-out for a fun football twist to your festive shopping list, hopefully this hits the mark!
Click on the product links below to explore your buying options!
This fine art print is of my original digital oil painting of a Harry Kane. It was painted free hand using a stylus and pressure sensitive tablet on a computer (see videos below).
Each print from this digital painting is an original; professionally printed on beautiful Hahnemühle photo Rag paper, 308 gsm thick, with top grade, light fast, fade-resistant inks.
A great gift for a football enthusiast or Harry Kane fan!
SEE SHORT FILMS BELOW FOR FURTHER DETAILS ABOUT BUYING OPTIONS, ART PRINT SPECIFICATIONS AND THE STORY BEHIND THIS ARTWORK
Free UK shipping
For international shipping please contact us for a quote
This is a fine art greetings card of my original digital oil painting of Harry Kane, painted free hand using a stylus and pressure sensitive tablet on a computer (see videos below).
A great card for football enthusiasts!
SEE SHORT FILMS FOR FURTHER DETAILS ABOUT CARD SPECIFICATIONS
Free UK shipping
For international shipping please contact us for a quote
BUNDLE OFFERS AVAILABLE - SEE BELOW
A Remembrance Day Tribute
Find out the story behind this vintage toy inspired painting and why this isn’t my first attempt at it! Watch a short video showing the painting process.
I first encountered this weathered toy Crescent military nurse & soldier patient at Brighten Toy Museum , painting them early on in my digital painting journey.
I recently returned to paint them afresh, trying to capture their spirit with more nuance, truth and pathos. Today I share the results as a remembrance day tribute.
See below version one, painted Autumn 2020 [left] and version two painted Autumn 2022 [right].
A Tribute Sketch
Celebrating in watercolour, the wonderful Anoushka Lucas, in her new debut play Elephant at the Bush Theatre, London. Read and watch the full story.
On Tuesday I went to see this inspiring lady perform her brilliant debut one-woman play Elephant at the Bush Theatre!
I've known Anoushka since the early 2000s and have been following the evolution of her music and talent ever since! I was absolutely blown away by this latest effort, which shines bright in its sense of truth, coupled with exceptional storytelling.
A bold and beautiful story of self discovery, mixed race identity, love and creativity that looks conflict in the face and calls out contradictions. It made me laugh, it made me cry and held me completely entranced throughout!
@anoushkalucasmusic you are an inspiration and I can't wait to see what you do next! Your words and music, so deeply personal and true, create bridges that connect us all!
ELEPHANT
Written and Performed by @anoushkalucasmusic
staged @bushtheatre
Developed with and Directed by @jsaedwards
Dramaturgy - Daniel Bailey and Deirdre O'Halloran
Script Consultant - Tia Bannon
Production and Company Stage Manager - Ruth Burgon
Set & Costume Designer - @georgiathought
Lighting Designer - @lauraamhoward
Sound Designer - @kearbella
On until 12th November.
A Halloween Dance
See a little glimpse of Incognito Dance’s Saturday Halloween party, where I taught Improvers Salsa to a lovely bunch of Gals & Ghouls :)
A happy flash back to this Saturday & Incognito Dance’s Halloween dress up Bachata & Salsa night in Putney!
It was a Fab atmosphere with some great costumes!
Here's a snippet of the Improvers Salsa class I taught with the amazing @karolina.klave
Incognito are also open tonight so head over there if you fancy Halloween Dance!
All info 👉 https://www.incognitodance.com/
Diving into Lego!
Working on a new, lego-inspired commission for a holiday let property in Windsor. A story telling epic feast of lego! Watch a short video showing the early stages!
I've been working on a new commission this week, diving into a world of Lego!
This is a little glimpse of the early stages, blocking in the main elements with digital paint. Still a long way to go but already getting into the swing of it!
This is one of two artworks that will hang side by side in a beautiful holiday let property in Windsor.
The idea is to celebrate all the local attractions including Thorpe Park, Legoland, Twickenham Rugby and Windsor Castle etc…
AKA a great opportunity to delve into story-telling, weaving together lots of playful elements , including a little bit of Halloween / fright night fun!
For more info about this amazing property check out: www.shortstaylongstay.co.uk
Here’s a brief overview:
📍Conveniently located next to: Windsor, Heathrow, Twickenham
🛌 Sleeps up to 6
🎪 Activities for everyone: Legoland, Thorpe Park, Lapland UK!!
More updates coming soon!
Goodbye Little Acrobat
Waving off this allegorical painting of a vintage toy Acrobat to its new home in Greece. Watch and read the full story!
Yesterday I said goodbye to this little fellow, waving him off to his new life in Greece.
This is a painted allegory called 'The Acrobat' [oil on canvas, 60 x 60cm] which plays with ideas about balance and the creative and destructive energy within us.
The Acrobat hovers above an unlit bonfire of matches, alive with the promise of danger, but also nodding to the inner fire of inspiration. Time is suspended, the spark yet to fall, the meaning open to interpretation.
Many ideas passed through my mind when painting this which I feel were mysteriously woven into this picture, making sense of themselves in a way at once abstract but true.
Hopefully this chap will spark interesting discussions in his new home!
Embracing Grief Through Art
Watch this special discussion I had with Jenetta Barry and Al Cini talking about the power of painting when dealing with painful subjects and emotions. All part of a global line up, celebrating World Jenny’s Day and World Mental Health Day.
This Monday I took part in a special online line-up of artists and performers, celebrating World Jenny's Day and World Mental Health Day.
Creatives from all over the world joined Jenetta Barry and co hosts on USA GLobal TV & Radio over the course of 17 hours showcasing insightful performances and short discussions celebrating mental health wellness.
I shared my experiences of embracing grief through art, looking at two paintings: one of a national treasure, Queen Elizabeth II and the other, inspired by the loss of my father.
This is the 15 minute interview I had with Jenetta & Al Cini describing the journey each painting took me on; explaining how the act of painting helped me find peace with a complex range of emotions.
We also reflected on the value that traumatic and painful experiences have when they build powerful roots to understanding, leading to positive actions which can help others in profound and meaningful ways.
This is a fine art greetings card of my original digital oil painting of a vintage toy Turkey, painted free hand using a stylus and pressure sensitive tablet on a computer (see videos below).
A great card for wildlife or animal lovers and Turkey enthusiasts!
SEE SHORT FILMS FOR FURTHER DETAILS ABOUT CARD SPECIFICATIONS
Free UK shipping
For international shipping please contact us for a quote
BUNDLE OFFERS AVAILABLE - SEE BELOW