Transitions - A Series of Abstract Paintings Inspired by the Sussex Landscape During the Pandemic

Since the pandemic lockdown of March 2020, Michelle spent a lot of time walking in a particular area of the South Downs, near to where she lives. Michelle is a long time meditator and yogi, and by nature an introvert. She feels at ease and well-equipped to slow down, be still, and go inwards. This is what she did... outdoors. Her natural introversion proved a great ally in subsequent lockdowns. What emerged from this period was the Transitions series.

On her course, ‘Courting the World Soul’, the psychologist and author Sharon Blackie teaches how to cultivate and interpret one’s own myth of place. Shortly before the start of the pandemic, Michelle undertook this course. It helped her to experience the green, chalky downland of her locale in a more deeply personal way. ‘Place’ became a rich source of inspiration and rejuvenation, both artistically and for the soul.

Exposed hilltop fields smothered in wildflowers, grazed by sheep and cattle, are now profoundly familiar and cherished places. Finding beauty and meaning in the simplest of things has become easy here. It also prompts wistful recollections of more innocent times: her childhood spent playing in East Anglian meadows, and her grandmother teaching her the names of flowers there.