Guest writer Ruth Gray caught up with artist Nita Dalley.
HM: Tell us about what you do?
ND: I am an artist and a teacher living in Derbyshire's beautiful Peak District. I take inspiration from nature, the people in my life and my travels. As a teacher, I love to inspire children to create their own work. I love colour and bold forms and usually work on canvas, using pastels, acrylics and mixed media.
HM: How did you get into it?
ND: I have always doodled, painted, and experimented with all kinds of mediums for as long as I can remember. I am completely self-taught, learning mainly through my mistakes (!) and through experimentation. After studying Art at A level, I decided to pursue my other lifelong passion in literature through studying English at Loughborough University and happily gaining a BA Hons (2:1) in 1993...but my paint brushes gathered no dust and I continued to paint and explore. After qualifying as a Teacher in 1998, I began to bring my love of painting into the classroom through my work with children with complex and profound disabilities. I saw that Art became a way for them to express themselves and have lots of fun!
When my eldest daughter started school, I was asked to create a mural in the school playground, working with the children to create a large, colourful exterior mural. I also began to exhibit and sell my work locally in Derbyshire and in Sheffield. It just grew from there and as more people seemed to like my work, the more I did!
HM: What are the best and worst aspects of what you do?
ND: I just love painting and it fits in brilliantly with caring for my two young children and ex-battery rescued chickens! I really enjoy sharing my creativity with children and have been lucky enough to have been involved in some great school projects at my local school. The down side is the unpredictable and irregular income but I’m working on that!
HM: What’s been inspiring you lately?
ND: My studio is at home with a fantastic view of Froggat Edge so it’s hard to not be inspired by that. I love the changes I see on Froggat Edge from season to season. I go running out there too to really fire up my inspiration!
HM: Finally, is there anything in the pipeline you’d like to tell Hatch’d about?
ND: I’m really looking forward to taking part in The Great Sheffield Art Show and The Wirksworth Festival later this year. It’s also exciting to have a new website to care for! You can catch up with me at www.nitadalley.com or follow me on Twitter @NitasArt
This article was submitted by guest writer Ruth Gray. To find out more about Ruth visit her website, or follow her on .