Let Yourself Grow's new Artist of the month series is designed to help us shine a light on some of the wonderful artists living and working within the county. For the first instalment, former Portfolio Centre resident Elissa Elwick introduces us to her work and her experiences of being an artist in Northamptonshire's vibrant art scene:
"I've loved making art for as long as I can remember, and after studying Illustration in Bournemouth and Paris, I was reluctant to move back to Northampton after graduating. However, on returning, I discovered the Fish Market Gallery; a really inspiring place that supports local artists and provides spaces for studios, exhibitions, events, not to mention a great little cafe to have a sit down and a draw.
I then stumbled across the Portfolio Innovation Centre, where I rented a studio for a year to work on my first picture book 'the Princess and the Sleep Stealer', which is being published by Macmillan Children's Books on 21st July 2011.
The Centre provided a relaxed, inspiring and supportive environment to make the scary transition from illustration student to freelance illustrator, and was full of lots of other creative people doing all kinds of brilliant things.
During my time in Northampton, I've noticed an increasing number of independent stores and cafes cropping up around the town centre, including 'A Marvellous Place to Shop' which is actually a project that some friends of mine are involved in, so I'd urge anyone and everyone to go and take a look around.
I'm currently working on a new picture book for Templar Publishing. It's in the concept stage at the moment, which can be the most challenging part of any project, as well as the most fun, as I get to play around with characters and story ideas. I'm also putting together some more characters and story ideas for Macmillan, so it's all very hectic but fun at the moment."
