Wirral's independent local news website
Steph Aldwinckle was convinced that moving from London to Wirral would offer her family a better quality of life but when she made West Kirby her home at the end of 2019, nobody could have predicted what 2020 had in store.
Steph has always had an interest in art but after graduating with a degree in illustration and animation, Steph’s career took a different path and painting became more of a hobby.
So, at the start of lockdown, when half the world seemed to start painting to pass the time, Steph’s focus was on settling her kids in their new house, which had fast turned into their place of learning too.
It wasn’t until 2021 when schools reopened that Steph found time to think about her art; luckily she didn’t have to look far for inspiration. Steph realises the views she has across the peninsular and over to the dramatic Welsh hills are, “what many artists dream of” and she describes, the ever-changing weather and light across the landscape as being “something she never tires of painting.”
Despite having a continual source of inspiration on her doorstep, in 2021 Steph still didn’t consider herself an artist. Things changed when a guest at her house asked her where she got all of her paintings from?
Steph admitted she painted them all herself and that conversation led Steph’s first commission.
Fast forward a couple of years and Steph is selling work globally, much of which can be viewed on Instagram @stephaldwinckleart
The artist is also about to show several pieces at a collaborative exhibition at Arts Bar Hope Street in Liverpool to celebrate Earth Day.
Steph says, “I’ve been really lucky, I know some people struggle for years to practice their art full time, so I’m really grateful for how things have worked out, moving here changed my life completely.”
The Earth Day event, which is curated by Laura McCann and also features works by Lena and the Sea, Suzanne Grace and Andreea Mate showcases pieces that are inspired by the nature.
Liverpool Arts Bar, 22 Hope Street, Liverpool, L1 9BY. The event is free and launches on Thursday 20 April between 6 and 9pm, with the full exhibition taking place Friday 21 – Sunday 23 April 12pm- 5pm.
Image: Laura McCann
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