Marigolds in Pots

This is all about celebrating the special things Stuart does for his mum - she struggles with life in a care home, but Stuart tries to make each day better and bring a smile to her face.

In Stuart's words:

"When my mum was very ill and confused about three years ago, we were told she only had two weeks to live. During that time she was trying hard to concentrate and I asked her what she was thinking about behind her furrowed brow. She replied, “funny enough, marigolds in pots!”

She then went on to explain that when her dad bought his first house in Birmingham, he put marigolds in pots around the boundary as he was so pleased with what he had achieved. So, I grew her some from seed and took them to her today in her care home. She is chuffed. I made a little boundary with them where her room opens onto the court yard".

Stuart spends as much time as he can visiting her and often takes her out - Leaf Creative Garden Centre at Huntley is a favourite place for lunch. #leafcreative

The making of the print:

I have been having a few issues getting the right wood for the level of detail in my woodcuts, so for a change I've tried this as a linocut. I wanted to include some text in my image, I like the fact that you have to carve it backwards. The stamps enabled me to create the colourful and varied effect of the marigold blooms quickly and easily - stamping is definitely fun! #inkstamp #linocut #versacraft #marigolds

This is the finished print - I hope it makes you feel bright, sunny and cheerful!

Editions are available on my website here