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I heard the song "It's time to go inward" by Rodney Crowell many years ago, but I have always been struck by the line, "Prison bars imagined are no less solid steel". I think that's a beautiful line and so true. Our thoughts can often make things seem scarier than the reality we face, how we perceive a situation, or barriers that we place on ourselves and others can prevent us from simply living life to the fullest...  So with this single line from the song running around in my head, the concept for this illustration was created, even though the music was written back around 2003, the words in it are as current today as ever, perhaps more so after the year that we've all had... with the last year still very much fresh in my mind, and being forever grateful to have had a garden to spend time in during lockdown, I wanted to show the concept that nature can sometimes hold the key to unlocking some of our thoughts and anxieties, as I truly believe in the value of green spaces for our health and well being. As I write this I realize that I didn't consciously choose to illustrate a male figure, but I feel it's another dimension as studies show that men are more reluctant to come forward or to talk about their feelings...a useful website for more mental health information can be found here  If you have a story that needs some illustration, this image is available to license from Arcangel images, or if you would like to purchase a limited edition Fine Art print - printed onto Hahnemuhle PhotoRag 308gsm please get in touch for more details. Never heard of Rodney Crowell? Or just fancy listening to the music that inspired this illustration, check it out below...
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The weekly book cover brief from Arcangel Images recently was based on the word Medical...While this may see seem a bit different from my usual illustration subjects, some of you may know, that before going back to college to study graphic design, I had long and varied career as a qualified nurse, so this brief brought back a few memories and was right up my street.
Whilst I may have been out of the healthcare setting for a while, I still have an interest in health and well-being albeit from a different perspective. In fact, I think that this may be part of the reason that I have a passion for home and green spaces, as I strongly believe that design and our environment can positively or negatively impact our lives and well-being. The above images are now available for commercial licensing, however as an ongoing project I'm looking forward to adding a few more illustrations to this collection - watch this space..! Don't hesitate to get in touch if you need any medical or health inspired illustrations to go alongside your copy as I would love to help... Introducing the Brown Bear Cafe in Ripley, Derbyshire...the latest Stockist of my Art Prints and Greetings Cards  I think it's fair to say, that the Brown Bear Cafe and Gift shop run by Mother and Daughter team, Wendy and Hazel are very much looking forward to fully opening up again later this month - Boris permitting of course! After a year of Uber Eats and takeaway orders they are excited to be able to receive customers indoors once again.  When I took my artwork into the Cafe the sunlight hit the wooden floorboards, as I reached the top of the stairs, and it was easy to imagine this light and airy space above Hurst's Chemist on Oxford Street, filled with chatter, the smell of coffee and freshly cooked food wafting through the air....ooh how we've missed these little pleasures.  The cafe and gift shop which was established in 2015 stocks and supports the work of around 20 makers from around Derbyshire, and I'm proud to say that I am now one of them! So if you are in the Ripley area, why not check them out... I can vouch for the Brownies! I had intended to photograph them, but ahem well I couldn't resist! All photo's courtesy of The Brown Bear Cafe
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Hello!In this space which has no ceilings, walls or doors... I would like to invite you in, and share with you, personal work, current trends and inspiration from every day life...
AuthorCatherine Hoggins 
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