Vanessa Clark aka Stickyness a fine artist based in my Sandgate, Folkestone studio, only a pebble throw from the beach, I create vivid paintings with memories of the sea woven within them. My paintings are frequently inspired by the bright colours of beach huts and the dreamy translucent hues found within ebb and flow of the Ocean.

I've always created....

Some of my earliest memories are of painting, including the day I was discovered (by my Mum) trying to cover up a huge dollop of bright blue paint I had spilt all over the carpet and tried to cover it up with talcum powder, of all things! 

When I paint I return to a state of childlike awe, held in a sense of wonderment. The time whizzes past so quickly without me being aware of it, or even myself. There is an instinctive sense of knowing which paint brush, colour or texture I need to create to form the piece and achieve the qualities I search for.  I am intrinsically drawn to certain colours which lift the spirit and energise.

I have a deep connection to brightly coloured clothes and was always dressing up when I was a kid. My Nan had massive boxes that I used to dive into, climbing on top and jumping in, rummaging through each treasure of texture and colour. In parallel, I think the sheer joy of delving into the wonderful treasures within those childhood boxes is present in the translucent, ethereal layers found in my art.

Here in Folkestone and throughout my days as a child, the waves of colour and the shimmering, iridescent, glints and glimmers on the sea inspire me. I saunter across the road to the beach most mornings come Winter or Summer, to immerse myself in the ocean. I feel I channel the energy of water and sky both physically and creatively.

Others have described my paintings as full of the energy of life and of healing. Once a painting is finished, a deep sense of fulfilment and contentment settles upon me. Like a part of me has shown itself a balancing my emotions, spirit and body. It's a spiritual practice, a download from the universe! The colours and textures of this transmutation are contained within my work for all to see, experience and connect with.