Venetia Norris SGFA

Biography 

I enjoy the spontaneity of drawing from life and communicating a sense of place. I only feel that fully understand something if I have drawn it. I love the sound of a pencil leaving a mark, varying its pressure, looking carefully at what I am drawing while the work evolves upon the paper. I use a variety of materials including graphite, pen & ink, paint, charcoal, gold/silver leaf upon paper and board.

Through my work I try to understand and express the journey of how a plant or flower grows. Everything living has an individual shape and form, everything makes it’s presence felt in some way, leaves a mark, some trace. Using just the tip of my pencil, graphite and ink I try to reveal the intricate layers, the sensuous interiors, the infinite variety and texture of a leaf, a stem, or a petal. I see beyond the initial form of beauty, gently but determinedly going behind the disguise of blossom or colour. My enthusiasm and curiosity of the plant world continues to be a lifelong passion.

I studied at Chelsea School of Art, London College of Fashion and Sir John Cass Art School and have been a professional artist for the last seven years exhibiting widely. My artwork has been shown at the Affordable Art Fair, Christies London and included in several group exhibitions at the Mall Galleries London. To date I have had five solo shows, the most recent was held at the end of a residency at North London Collegiate School. I completed a Fellowship with Ballinglen Arts Foundation, County Mayo, Ireland in March 2016.