Sonja Benskin Mesher Artist Painter North Wales

There is a sensual rhythmic quality to the work that suits me just fine...."

My studio is in a medieval longhouse in Llanelltyd, North Wales surrounded by mountains, lakes and rivers, and also very near to the sea. I moved here in 1993 to change the quality and direction of my life.

This ancient place affects work profoundly, with its space, peace and sense of freedom.

It was here that the work started, and I have worked full time as a visual artist since 1999, after an initial period of study of Art & Design.

My work is now abstract. I use a dialogue of shape and colour to create ideas about the landscape and inherent memory.

I obsessively paint an image or shape again, and again for the exploration into the process of the work. The result is always different.

I use a layering technique to produce depth of image, surface interest, and a feeling of emanating light. Using acrylic mediums as a base, I incorporate found media, such as wool from the fences, rust, earth etc to create texture and a sense of place.

Memory and music plays an important part in moving the process into an intuitive area, where striving ends, and the work naturally flows.

The work has been in solo exhibitions through Wales and England, and in selected shows in the UK, USA and Canada. Much of the work is now in both private, and public collections, and has been featured in several television documentaries, radio programmes and magazines.

Early design work received an award from BAA and the Sunday Times, and since then more prizes have been awarded for landscape painting, drawing, and abstract images.

My inspiration comes mainly from my environment, but also from my early years spent living in St Ives. The artists there also have impressed ideas into the work, John Krcma, Bob Devereux, Barbara Hepworth, and Ben Nicholson.

The studio, and gallery room are open to visitors, by appointment .
I also run art workshops for groups or individuals, and am happy to discuss personal requirements.

Master classes for Abstract work, and Art Work Practice are also available.