Paula Sharples
Do you concentrate on one medium, or do you work in several?
I use acrylics, ink, graphite and collage, so I work in several different mediums. Recently I have been using collage more, taking my original textile designs of flowers, leaves, fruit etc.. and incorporating them into my work. I have really enjoyed using my previous work in this way.
Tell us about your workspace?
My studio space is my haven away from the world and all it’s troubles. I am very grateful to have such a wonderful space.
It is a north facing room but has a skylight and large window which makes it quite bright. The previous owner of the house used it as a dressmaking room, so it has loads of table space and shelves on the wall (although not suitable for books) I’m still waiting patiently for my husband to build some shelves for my vast collection of books.
What inspires you?
I find inspiration from daily walks in the Derbyshire countryside, there is always something that catches your eye, be it a flower, a view… I have a vast collection of books and reference material collected over the years, if I look through these it will often spark ideas for paintings and colours to use.
Do you have a favourite piece in your Little Gallery exhibition?
I think my favourite piece in the Little Gallery exhibition would have to be the “Chatsworth Sheep” painting. We have lived in Derbyshire for 52 years, so Derbyshire is very close to my heart. We live close to Chatsworth so go there regularly and have many happy memories of meeting our family and 4 grandchildren who love to explore the grounds and beautiful garden, not to mention the adventure playground!
How did you start doing what you do?
I worked as a freelance designer for 28 years before starting my art career in 2009. My designs were sold for furnishing and bedding and I worked for companies such as Coloroll, John Wolf Decorative Fabrics in the US and Churchill and Portmeirion China. I think this background in textile design shows through in my work.
Do you work on your creative business full time or do you have another job as well?
I work as a full time artist as I am retirement age and have the free time to do so, which is a luxury really which I am very grateful for. My artistic practise helps me immensely as I have suffered from depression for many years.
If you have spare time, what do you do with it?
I love to walk in the Derbyshire countryside in my spare time, this always gives me inspiration for my work. My walks are not as long as they used to be as I have Fibromyalgia and can’t walk as far as I used to. I also fractured my spine in multiple places a few years ago and this has also made it more difficult.
I am also a member of Peak Trinity Church in Bakewell and get involved in the church activities.
Spending time with our family and 4 grandchildren is also very important.
What’s next for you?
I joined the Derbyshire Makers over a year ago and this is my first exhibition in the Little Gallery with them. It’s lovely to be part of this group and to meet fellow artists and makers who are all very supportive. I would love to get involved more with them. It’s also good to be able to exhibit in your home county, which I would like to do more of, as I have paintings in a gallery in Penzance, Cornwall.
