I am an artist & illustrator using papercutting, collage and drawing to make detailed hand made works that are an emotional response to the places, spaces and cultural heritage that is closest to my heart and have personal resonances to me. The process of making is at the heart of my work and I share this passion by facilitating collective art events and workshops for adults. I lived in Letchworth Garden City for 22+ years and have made many pieces that celebrate the town, as well as further afield of Cambridge, St Alban's, London and Salisbury. I publish my work as cards and prints which I sell in North Herts and have run many workshops in many venues across Hertfordshire.

I still have lots of family and connections in Hertfordshire, so travel back and forth often.

Cut Paper Collages: Buildings and the natural landscape have long fascinated me because of their power to make us feel connected and grounded. These silent witnesses to our lives are ever present and I choose to interact with them through the meditative processes drawing en plein air and collage making in my studio. Being totally present in the making is a powerful sensation. It makes these pieces time machines - taking me back to the exact place and feeling when I saw what I saw. I abstract and pare down, so that the essence of that place, that flower, that field is captured.

Coffee Shops & Interiors : Started in response to my need to be alone in the hours when I wasn't doing the artist in residence at the National Civil War Centre, these drawings were quiet reflections made in cafes and interiors. Intended originally only for me - I gave myself the space to simply be present and draw in an interior. I am slowly taking them out of the sketchbook space: exploring new versions made on recycled packaging surfaces so that they become a real entity and engage the viewer into interpreting the narrative of the scene captured.

Workshops/Drawing Club: A significant part of my working life is delivering enriching workshops for adults and participatory fabric banner events that engage all ages and abilities. I share my passion for the joy of papercutting and collage making during the workshops and I regularly run a Still Life Drawing Club to encourage adults to find their own creative voice through observational drawing and also a sense of connecting with other like minded people.

View my website http://www.vanessastoneartist.com/