Maddy Halliwell

I am a Surrey-based artist, who seeks to convey the magic of small moments from the natural world. I am drawn to the myriads of textures around me, and I like to explore different mark-making techniques to capture and invite in the spontaneity of nature’s quirks. The work I create usually evolves over long periods of time and uses many layers. The paintings are sometimes wholly acrylic, but often I also incorporate a wide range of mixed media such as collage, inks, hessian, tissue paper or pencil - the list continues to grow as I continue to experiment. My favoured starting point is to “play” with materials to result in a surface full of intuitive and unexpected marks and colours. I then respond to these, painting over or embracing this initial starting point, or even scratching back through paint to this layer. The subject of all my work is rooted in nature, and I use sketches, photos and memory to inform the process. Working directly from a subject outside can lead to paint-spattered trousers, and interesting logistical challenges, but is an important aspect. Running with my black lab, walks and spending time outdoors are also integral ways that I build sources for inspiration, and I strive to embed my experience and interpretation of a moment. I have always been connected to art, and am told that even when a toddler, I was fascinated with paint and would spend long periods of time “making”. I pursued this passion and undertook a teaching and Fine Art degree at university, but then my creativity was pushed into the background whilst I taught full time as a primary-based teacher. However, the creative urge has always bubbled in the background, and I have run many holiday creative workshops from my kitchen table and I am now an art teacher. Recently, I moved to working part time to enable me to begin this journey more fully of being a creative.