Artist in Residence: Bec Winnel - new Element Eden Advocate

During high school, I took art as my major subject but apart from that I've taught myself from reading books, watching videos, observing artworks and a lot of practice, trial and error. I would loved to have studied Fine Art however life didn't go that way.

Inspiration can come from many places but mostly I'm inspired by all that is beautiful... Nature, animals, emotions, colours, unique faces, faces with eyes that have a depth and mystery to them. Quite often there is one muse that I reference over and over, surrounding her with elements of nature. Drawing is my therapy and my way of escaping the world at times, creating images that sooth. This need to express my emotions and thoughts is what drives me to create.

My art soothes my own emotions and I hope that the viewer has the same experience. I also hope that my art promotes a positive image of women and helps women to feel self confident, inspired, loved and beautiful.

I like spending time with the ones I care about, my pets, going to exhibitions, taking photos, sewing, occasional horse riding, road trips, watching tv series, gardening and pottering around the house.

You tend to work in coloured pencil a lot, has that always been your medium of choice? 

I am most comfortable with coloured pencils. These were the first art mediums I grew up with and I guess the ones I have used the most. I like that pencils are instant to use, no mixing or preparing, they are just there, ready to go when you need. I also like that there is no mess with them, you only need a small space to work and you can take them anywhere. I like painting too and am experimenting with it. It has a mind of it's own, so it's nice to break away from the control with pencils and loosen up a bit with a liquid medium, taking this back to my drawing.