For local artist Hermione Pakenham, inspiration can be found in the shifting light of a new season, the colours of the natural world or a fleeting memory. Having lived and worked across New York, Los Angeles and Valencia, she brings a wealth of experience to her abstract, colour-field paintings. Now back in the UK, Hermione is exploring new materials and creative possibilities from her home studio. We caught up with her to discover what inspires her work, how her surroundings shape her artistic practice and what comes next.
1. Tell us a little about yourself and how you first got into art.
My name is Hermione, I am a local artist and mother of two. I studied art at Parsons New School in New York and City and at Guilds Art School here in London. I’ve lived in New York, Mexico, Los Angeles and until recently, Valencia, Spain. I have always drawn, printed and painted - in the way some people keep diaries or photo albums, I have kept sketchbooks.
2. How would you describe your artistic style?
I describe myself as an abstract, colour-field artist. But a lot of my work starts with drawing from life - I am primarily drawn to the natural world - I am fascinated by the beauty and magic of nature and its order around us.
3. Where do you find inspiration for your work?
I find inspiration in many things - primarily Nature - its every changing light, landscapes, shapes and colours. But I’m also inspired by other artists, designers, writers, photographers and philosophers. I am drawn to the esoteric and the invisible world and finding where it loops and crosses into the natural, visible world. I’m interested in memory, identity and fragmentation and finding a visual language for the world as I see it.
4. Does the local area influence your art in any way?
Having had a large studio in Valencia the move to a home studio has been an adjustment but I’ve enjoyed the challenge and the work I’ve created in the last year has forced me into using different materials and scales. My colour palette has also changed dramatically - having four seasons again has been one of the nicest parts of coming home - living with year-round sunshine I forgot how beautiful and fragile that shift is - almost from one morning to the next - where the light has changed and a new season has started.
5. Can you talk us through your creative process?
My process is somewhat accidental. I am drawn to colour and shapes and materials that seemingly find themselves together in my studio. But I always start with an idea - whether it’s something I’ve read, an old sketchbook drawing, a collection of colours I’ve seen together, a photograph or even a memory - there’s always a kernel, but the end result is more or less totally random.
6. Are there any upcoming exhibitions, collaborations or projects you’re particularly excited about?
Once I’ve finished off the commissions I’ve taken on for this year, I will have a gap to start on a new series. I’m moving into a bigger space so once again my scale will shift and starting new work is always the most exciting part of the journey. I am looking for the right gallery space and curator and hopefully will be planning a Spring/ Summer show with my friend and fellow artist Alexandra Jabre.
7. What do you enjoy most about being an artist?
I love all aspects of being an artist. Every day I get to daydream and create - I feel extremely lucky - I don’t think anything can compare to making art - it’s a magical combination of play, meditation, introspection and growth.
8. What do you think makes the local creative community special?
I was surprised by how many artists live and work in this area - I think it’s energetically incredibly powerful to be surrounded by so much creativity - the community support around art is palpable.
9. What are you working on at the moment and what’s coming up next?
I am currently finishing a commission for a friend and collector - starting with a collection of pottery - a series of bowls that she hung on her wall - she redesigned her kitchen and I am completing the last of 4 collage pieces for her.
10. Where can local residents see, purchase or commission your work?
My work is online at hermionepakenham.com and @hermionestudio where I post news of art fairs and exhibitions as well as details for online sales and commissions.
