Sheila Mitchell

My work looks at the ability of colour to convey and provoke emotions. Also looking at the tensions between surface and surface textures.

I have tried to keep some of the abstract concern for unconventional space and non-illustration, but try to include shapes and composition that can be recognised.

People have always loved flowers. They are universally appreciated through every culture and age. Flowers show us, both stillness and tremendous energy. Wild flowers are survivors equipped to thrive in their natural domain while garden flowers startle and awe us by their beauty. They provide us with powerful symbols in religion and ritual, which help to describe our lives. They are medicine, and in our gardens, they evoke special “safe” places of contemplation and affirmation.

By using imagery, I introduce a narrative element, which I hope describes some of the impact flowers have on us in our relationship with them.

All works water-based media on gesso.

Studied at Gray’s School of Art (Robert Gordon’s University)
Taught art at Secondary and College level in Aberdeen, Central Scotland and Strathclyde. Worked as the Design Council Scotland, Education Officer. During this time I exhibited with the Compass Gallery and the Gatehouse Gallery.

I now live and work in Pittenweem, having a solo exhibition at the Pittenweem Festival, and also exhibit at the RGI, RSW and RSA exhibitions and with private galleries.

Winner of the Visual Arts Scotland, P.F. Award 2003

Works are gouache on gesso, on canvas or board.