Board Games & Brushstrokes
For most people, board games are a weekend hobby. For me, they’ve been a joyous obsession since University, where I learnt that there was more to see than just Scrabble and Monopoly.
I’ve spent years playing, collecting, and arguing over these cleverly engineered little worlds. Eventually the enthusiasm spilled over into my sketchbook, then onto canvas, and now onto the walls of Unplug + Play, Guildford’s board game cafe.
It’s a truly special place to me- my husband and I got married there, and we are Lifetime Members No. 1 and No. 2!
This new series of four artworks is my tribute to just a few of the games I love. They’re inspired by the colours, symbols, creatures, moods and fragments of storytelling that make tabletop worlds so irresistible. Each piece is a small love letter to the joyful chaos of that particular game.
There's something about the structured chaos, the planning, the collaboration, and the rollercoaster of emotions I go on whilst playing a board game that closely aligns with my artistic process.
I’m delighted to say that after being on display for less than 24 hours, the piece inspired by Wingspan has sold! The remaining pieces are still on display (and available!) at Unplug + Play, so if you’re popping in for a light bout of strategic warfare, you can wander over and see them in person.
But that’s not the only place you’ll find me this weekend…
Tomorrow, you’ll be able to spot me and my work on Guildford High Street, as I’ll be running a market stall with a delightful spread of smaller pieces. I promise colour, charm, conversation, and reckless optimism. I’d love to say hello to anyone who stops by.
And in a few days time, if you continue wandering, you may stumble across a few more of my pieces on display at Art & Grind as well.
Honestly, you can hardly walk through Guildford without tripping over a splash of my paint somewhere. Consider it a friendly takeover.
See you at the Market! Saturday 13th December, 9.30am-4pm, Guildford High Street
Market arranged by ACVR events