Your say / Long Ashton
‘The more I explored Long Ashton, the more I felt an urgency to share my experience’
What started as a way to pass the time during lockdown, turned into producing a 32-page illustrated book of drawings. The sketches are from daily walks around Long Ashton and Bristol, created in vivid pastel colours.
My normality used to be rushing across the city on my bike pedalling from freelance job to part time job, to studio meetings and private views. When lockdown happened, it felt like my life just stopped.
At first there was a sense of uncertainty from losing work and the stark realisations of the risks of freelancing.
However, I recognised how fortunate I was living here in Long Ashton. I spent my days sketching the view from my window and kept taking my sketchbook out with me on my daily walks.
Vicky says she’s “fortunate” to live in Long Ashton
From living in the centre of Bedminster for five years, I hadn’t taken any notice on how much green space there is in this neighbouring village.
The more I explored, the more I felt an urgency to share my experience, especially for the city dwellers that may be longing for a walk to the bluebell forest or to just breathe in the fresh open air.
I wanted the book to replicate my drawings as much as possible so it’s the same size and in full colour. The drawings spill off the page so you can have the drawing in your hand and transport yourself to the open fields.
Vicky has created a book created in vivid pastel colours, to share the views of Long Ashton
The lockdown sketches book has 16 double page drawings, including the cover, and is the first of more to come – I hope!
I haven’t stopped drawing the views and whilst the freelance city life is still on pause, I’ll continue with this slower pace of daily sketching.
Vicky Wilmott is freelance artist living in Long Ashton.
All photos: Vicky Wilmott
Read more: ‘Bristol’s open spaces have become a lifeline for many during lockdown’
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