and where to begin........

Its been too long since my last blog and for that I can only apologise! I had hoped to make my posts a much more regular occurrence keeping you updated on all that I'm getting up too and creating etc. But I just haven't been fitting it in and begin as disciplined as I should be....so I shall endeavor to try again!

Since I last wrote I have been up to my beloved Highlands (where the above pic was taken), run another successful Elen Retreat and have lots of exciting opportunities presenting themselves! Between now and Sept is going to be a mega busy time! July brings lots of birthdays for us mine and Heather's (my daughter) included. Then I'll be taking my pretties along to the fantastic Barefoot Festival http://www.barefootfestival.com/ after that squeezing a visit to my Dad's, amongst the lovely lemon groves of Spain. Then its full on planning for the Elen Equinox Reunion!

I have some other amazing news, but right now its a bit secret squirrel ;o) But I do hope to be able to reveal all at Mabon!

Also coming along around that time of year will be the start of a year long correspondence course devoted to Elen. But that's a blog in its own right so watch this space!!!

*phew* no rest for the wicked as they say!!! Its head down and full steam ahead!

Busy, busy, busy.....

So right now I'm preparing for Leaping Hare, which is a lovely, local pagan conference at the end of the month. As well as getting on top of 'normal' stock levels....I have lots of new creations working their way through!!! I do love this time of year...my muse doesn't half keep me on my toes!!!

I'm working on a few new A3 size pieces at the moment 'Luna Fox', whom I will be experimenting with cooper leafing onto the pewter to create his rusty coat and maybe Luna Badger too. But on its way finally is a piece I'm very excited about and have had in the sketch and planning stages since September. Mesmerised by the flicking ribbons of light dancing their way across the sky is 'Aurora Hare' and he's looking like he's going to birth a new series too. As since he showed himself to me he's be 'suggesting' other friends that might like to be birthed too! So paint is finally to canvas and I shall be dancing with the Aurora over the next few weeks!!!

I'm also still working on the 'Beastie Moons' series (working title lol) These are a collection of 12 round canvas depicting a beastie for each of the months Full moons.....but that's another blog altogether LOL

And don't even get me started on THE HUGE project that keeps nudging me and will mean a purchase of a rather large piece of wood to even think about starting!!! Again its one I'm desperate to start but its gonna be a bit of a journey...but one I look forward too!

Welcome to my blog page....blank page syndrome

Well hello there <echo, echo> LOL

Welcome to my first blog post! I set up this blog before Yuletide but have had that horrible blank canvas/page syndrome.....you know...the one where you get a new Journal and dont know what to put on that precious first page. Or that prestine white canvas and dont know what your first brush stroke should be. So I've been putting it off!

But here I am now, theres no time like the present hey!?! So what to write? Well there is so much I could tell you....but right now I think maybe an introduction might be easiest. So here goes....

I'm Sam a self trained artist who uses mixed media to create art and objects that reflect my passions and beliefs. I combine paint, pewter, gemstones, and mother of pearl to create the pieces that you will see over the course of my blogs.

My journey as an artist began at school where I studied A-level art, and after leaving school and going into full time employment, Willow Creations was born. Initially it began with making gifts for friends, and working with pewter, mounting it onto handmade boxes and journals. However I came to understand that not everyone wanted the work on something practical and thus the artwork, in the form of smaller pieces became my focus.

Feeling the need to expand and explore into larger pieces, I started on a new series of works at the end of 2009 creating the “Luna Hare” piece. Since then it has been inspired me to create many other larger pieces and commissions on request.

I have had my work exhibited in galleries in Glastonbury, Scotland, Essex and various events around the country. I also runs workshops and Retreats focusing on my spiritual path and I'm also training as a Forest School Teacher. I'm a busy working mum with many hobbies, and a founding member of the local VW club Spooky VeeDub Club.

I am currently working on a number of commissions including “Hare at Sunrise” using gold leafing ,  plus 2 new series’ of work , one focusing on the Arctic using the Northern Lights as my inspiration (oh how I long to see them myself) and a collection based on the “Wild , Earthly Moon” or the working title "Beastie Moons" which will use a different animal to depict each full moon of the month.

I am available for commissions on request, either based on my current work or any ideas that you would like her to work with.

You can also follow me on Facebook Art of Samantha Marks, or on Twitter @samwillowart.

Well there you go for now......hopefully not too formal....but a little bit about me. Heres to a long blogging future ;o)