Lee Elvy by Lisa Rodden

Lee Elvy - Pencil on paper by Lisa Rodden (drawn around age 15)

Writing a blog has been on my list of things to do for about 2 yrs now. I've even created a blog page elsewhere that has never had one post! So I guess I just wanted to keep it simple and start my blogging life with a little thank you to everyone and everything that makes life special, keeps me inspired, provides the love and support that got me to take the plunge into a life of creativity, and sustains me now in my times of self doubt.

I recently uncovered this drawing (above) of my grandmother which I did from a photograph somewhere in my high school years. My Nan used to be an artist with an amazing studio and inspiring garden where she would set me up with a few brushes and paints to create my masterpieces (and keep me out of their hair no doubt). I thought it only fitting to use this image as it's a way to draw the line (:-))  back to the beginning of my creative journey. From her studio, to school, to years of creating as a hobby, to fully immersing myself in the life of an artist today, the need to create has always been such a strong force in my life.

As well as an amazing family, I feel very lucky to have (and have had) some extraordinary people around me that each provide their own unique 'specialness', be it wisdom, inspiration, pragmatism, unconditional love, strength, creativity, weirdness, ferociousness, humour, compassion, motivation, integrity and so much more. All of these things affect the person I am and that influences the works I create.

So Thank You to my family and friends and all the wonderful people I've had cross my path that have taught me so many wonderful things and who continue to support and inspire me in life and in my creative adventures. I hope I can return that gift.

Lisa xx