ARTIST STATEMENT
I celebrate the natural world, exploring pattern and colour. The symmetry, spirals and geometry in nature are endlessly fascinating. To me they are calming and reassuring in a world that is increasingly chaotic. As I build up layers the surface becomes more complex, until it is finally unified by the alchemy of gold leaf.
Drawing deeply on old art anchors my work in ancient times. Medieval illuminated manuscripts, Indo-Persian art, Renaissance paintings and Byzantine architecture have all inspired me.
Keeping sketchbooks is intrinsic to developing ideas for paintings. I make a preparatory drawing and at an early stage I plan where to place the gold leaf. I build up layers of colour and pattern, balancing the tones to create the atmosphere that I seek. It becomes an almost meditative process. I incorporate details that emerge slowly, that you may not at first see.
The mood I want to create is above all an uplifting one. It is rooted in the idea of a paradise garden, an escape from everyday life, a sanctuary. The viewer might be reminded subliminally of long forgotten motifs and patterns. People can create their own narrative.
Connecting with nature expands possibilities, helping to hold at bay the claustrophobia of modern life, giving a sense of balance. I live in the town but getting outside, and especially watching the birds, is enriching. My work is about recreating the spaces of the natural world, it’s pattern and glow and the simple joy of colour.
BIOGRAPHY AND CV
Born in Africa, I grew up in Stockton-on-Tees in the North East. I gained a degree in geography from the University of Cambridge. After graduating I lived in Europe and Africa for some years and have two children, now grown up. I am self-taught as an artist. I live in a town house in Shrewsbury, Shropshire where I also have my studio.
From 1993 - 2017 I worked as a freelance illustrator in children's books, cards, ceramics and other product licensing for international clients. I created many collections of cards, enamel collectibles and porcelain figurines as well as illustrating about 20 books for Usborne Publishing.
2014 – 2023 Owner and founder Sunny Side Art Ltd. Prints, cards and products celebrating places, based on my illustrations.
I am now concentrating on creating and exhibiting original paintings and drawings. This has been a serious pursuit since 2017.
Exhibitions
2024 Ojas Art, New Delhi Musawwari: Miniatures Today - Group show
2024 Chester Cathedral, Chester Trena Cox: Reflections 100 - Group show
2024 Bath Art Fair, Bath
2023 Mrs Jones Gallery, Shrewsbury The Turning of the Sun - Solo show
2023 Gateway Gallery A Charm of Goldfinches - Group show
2023 Bath Art Fair, Bath
2023 Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery Arts Trail Open - Group show
2022 Art Without Boundaries Sanctuaries of Gold (online) - Solo show
2022 Royal Watercolour Society, London Contemporary Watercolour Competition - Group show
2021 Imagine Gallery, Long Melford Christmas Show - Group show
2021 The Old Chapel Gallery, Pembridge Sweet Summertime - Group show.
2021 Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery Arts Trail Open - Group show
2020 The Old Chapel Gallery, Pembridge A Year’s Turning - Group show.
2020 Royal Watercolour Society, London Contemporary Watercolour Competition - Group show
2019 Art&York art fair, York
2019 The Old Chapel Gallery, Pembridge Burning Bright - Group show
2019 Royal Watercolour Society, London Contemporary Watercolour Competition - Group show
2018 Ellesmere College, Shropshire Ellesmere Art Exhibition - Group show
2018 Zest, Shrewsbury Linda Edwards at Zest - Solo show
2018 Ledbury Gallery, Ledbury Summer Show - Group show
2018 Erwood Station Gallery, Builth Wells Spring Show - Group show
2018 Royal Watercolour Society, London Contemporary Watercolour Competition - Group show
2017 Zillah Bell Gallery, Thirsk Summer Show - Group show
2017 Royal Watercolour Society, London Contemporary Watercolour Competition - Group show
Awards
2022 Women United Art Prize, Painting and Drawing, finalist
2019 Dry Red Press Award, Royal Watercolour Society, Bankside Gallery, London Contemporary Watercolour Competition
I have exhibited at the Royal Academy Business Art Gallery and in the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition.
I've exhibited paintings and drawings in Open Studios in Cambridge and Shrewsbury over many years and have a strong following of private art collectors internationally.
"Linda's eclectically stylistic paintings are visually stunning and intriguing. What first drew us to her work is the attention to detail, vibrant colours and clever juxtaposition of geometric patterns with imagery from nature. As artists who have been developing similar aesthetics and techniques for over forty years, we know just how much time and skill is invested in every piece and the challenges of how to work on a large scale without compromising the painstaking processes which clients have come to appreciate and expect. As an artist inspired by traditional artforms from different world cultures, Linda's art represents an important, refreshing and much needed expression of diverse arts practice within contemporary British art."
The Singh Twins
See my archive of sold work here
