From a very young age, I knew I wanted to be an artist. Growing up in a small town in Zimbabwe, I enjoyed the beauty and solitude of nature. Endless hours were spent on drawing practise; continually striving to capture a likeness of the animals and landscape that surrounded me. That early drawing training is still evident in my work.

Art has always been a part of my life and I’m happiest when lost in my thoughts. My studio continues to be a refuge, a place I return to almost daily to be immersed in my work.

Over the years, my style has evolved from realism to a more surreal genre, with a touch of whimsy. The juxtaposition of animals and man-made items is constantly challenging. As the painting emerges, the addition of small details adds to the story and hopefully, draws the viewer in for closer inspection.

Nests and eggs are a recurring theme and reflect the importance of home and family in my life. Delicate and fragile, they are also the longed-for sanctuary of my painted creatures.

If you’d like to read more, an interview was published by Beautiful Bizarre in 2021. Pearls & Wisdom: An Interview With Heather Denison