Celebrating Colour Visual Arts

'Celebrating Colour' In memory of Rosie Garwood. An exhibition at the Skyway Gallery in the Shoreham centre, Shoreham by Sea.

As a graduate of Bournemouth Arts Institute, I embarked on a career in teaching and family life, momentarily side-lining my artistic pursuitsHowever, my mother, Rosie, remained a constant source of inspiration throughout my journey

My mother and I shared a profound passion for art, often exploring exhibitions together, united by creativityIn recent years, Rosie started her own artistic journey, creating a garden gallery and eagerly preparing for an art foundation course at ChichesterHer enthusiasm rekindled my love for painting

We had a dream of exhibiting together and this became a reality when Rosie, when she showcased her work at the Skyway Gallery, just months before her illness was discoveredUnbeknownst to all, this marked her final exhibitionRosie's life took an unexpected turn when she was diagnosed with terminal cancer in December 2019, passing away within a month

Rosie was more than my mother; she was my also my closest friend and my biggest supportBefore mum passed away, she made me promise to use her gallery and continue painting, and to carry forward her artistic legacy

It took a long period of healing before I could finally pick up my paintbrush again and go back into my mother's art sanctuaryEverything in there reminds me of herIt was just left as if she would be back at any momentGoing through her work has been so hardThere was still all her mixed paints, unfinished work and her familiar handwriting

This journey has been a path to rediscovering my love of art, a process that has been intertwined with heartache

In "Celebrating Colour," I will display paintings my mother never had the chance to exhibit, alongside my own creationsBoth of us drew inspiration from our surroundings-landscapes, flowers, and the wonders of natureWhile our styles may differ, our shared devotion to colour, line, and texture is undeniable

"Celebrating Colour" isn't just an art exhibition; it's a heartfelt dedication to Rosie, a promise fulfilledIt's a celebration of life, love, and the enduring power of art to connect us to the past, inspire us in the present, and illuminate the path to a colourful future

This November, please join me in honouring Rosie's memory and experiencing art that captures the essence of love, life, and nature

Artist: Sophie Garwood

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