Deryn is a British-trained fine artist who now lives at the foot of Mont Blanc. Inspiration comes from the Alpine landscape; the ever-changing mountain narrative. Immersed physically and emotionally in the environment, she creates pieces which bring the outside in; translating the places, the moments, the weather and the light of the Chamonix valley into a series of mixed-media abstract works. Capturing the joy and deep connection to nature in beautiful paintings, collages and photography, Deryn shares that connection through her work to complete the creative journey.
We can all slow down when we notice how rocks have been weathered over millennia, or how our local environment changes with the seasons; we are both on our own journey and part of the journey of the world. Bringing these feelings and that element of discovery into my work, I hope to produce pieces which invite reflection and joy. The paintings embody a simple life, one where we have time to observe and imagine; or just be in the present moment.
Welcome to my studio!
Sharing the creative process was such a large part of my art teaching practice for so many years, I thought you would like a sneak peek into mine.
It all starts with a backpack, a camera, a sketchbook, and the mountains in the quiet early morning. Observing the world outside and responding to it with intuitive mark-making. Drawing directly from the landscape, or from a journey remembered; an instinctive, spontaneous response to nature.
Back in the studio; experimenting and exploring further. Letting the nature of the materials play their part in the process; free-flowing drips, transparent glazes, wandering lines, a scored line through thick paint. A creative journey now as I navigate my way through colours and forms, building up layers of paint, paper and textures. Feeling my way intuitively from a blank sheet of paper or board towards the final destination. To give joy or to invite an emotional response, to share in the beauty of the landscape, completes the process for me.
Follow my Instagram for more on the creative process for each series.
Deryn