Bromley Art Society Bringing Artists Together since 1947

I spoke with Ann Holdway asking the usual questions. Here are her answers

Ed: How long have you been involved with Bromley Art Society?

Ann: Since 2001, I was encouraged to join by Brenda Jackson. I sent Brenda and the committee endless ideas and thought it only fair to offer my services to the committee and within a matter of months found myself in the role of secretary as Brenda wanted to step down.

Ed: What has been the most satisfying of your artistic achievements?

Ann: Sending in paintings for the SAA exhibition and winning the beginners Still life and flowers when I had been painting for less than two years.

Ed:Outside of the art world what is your favourite pastime?

Ann: Gardening. I am not one of those gardeners who knows the latin names for plants and I take pot luck with how, when and where I plant things. Colour and what is pleasing to the eye interests me and I love flowers.

Ed: What first made you want to be an mosaicist?

Ann: I had absolutley no interest in mosaics. In the same year I decided I would try my hand at watercolour by going on a painting holiday I saw a summer school for mosaics and thought why not? Although it was not a properly tutored course, I enjoyed and was hooked. May be it stems from liking jig saw puzzles as a child, the cutting of pieces and fitting them together.

Ed: What is your favourite place and why?

Ann: I don’t have a favourite place. I like being at one with nature and space, endless sea with empty beaches, panoramic views of the countryside, driving on empty roads with huge rolling hills and vast jagged rocks.

Ed: Do you think ‘art’ is relevant to the majority of people today; or is it of an elitist minority interest?

Ann: Art in it’s widest sense is relevant to everyone. To have pieces of art in your home that give you pleasure and raise your spirit is an essential part of life.

Ed: Which books you’ve read exhibitions that you’ve visited would you recommend to others?

Ann: I would recommend any of the exhibitions organised by the British Association of Modern Mosaics (BAMM). You will be amazed, impressed and inspired by the diversity of the exhibits both in materials used and the styles

Ed: What would you say to someone who has recently found pleasure in art to encourage him or her?

Ann: Explore everything, books, exhibitions, join local groups and hands on workshops. Enjoy what your doing. Follow your heart. Find your own style and go with your instinct.

Thank you Ann for sharing your passion for what you do.

MB