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| Alison at work in her studio in Sussex |
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| Alison's semi-abstract study of puffins on Skomer Island |
ALISON Ingram is building a growing
reputation on the art scene thanks to her vibrant studies of birds and mammals.
For the past three years, she has taken
stand space at the big annual birdwatching fair at Rutland Water, near Stamford in Lincolnshire.
More of Alison's
swirling, imaginative work can be seen at her website www.alisoningram.co.uk. which also includes an events page with information about
where she will be exhibiting in the coming months.
WHERE WERE YOU BORN AND BROUGHT UP?
In the village of Warnham, near
Horsham in West Sussex.
IS THAT WHERE YOU LIVE NOW?
Yes, I have moved back to home
territory after being a student at Leicester University
followed by spells in Surrey, the Midlands and Leeds.
DID YOU GO TO ART COLLEGE?
I completed a one year art
foundation course and gained a diploma. However, I didn't get into art
college so decided to study for a BA (Hons) degree in archaeology
instead. I went straight back to painting after gaining my degree.
WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB AFTER
SCHOOL?
I worked in an art shop part-time. I
painted when I was not on duty.
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVOURITE ANIMAL
SUBJECTS?
I love painting deer, mainly red
deer as I see them daily. I live in an estate
cottage adjacent to Warnham Deer Park and grew up with them. They're fascinating
and graceful creatures, and I enjoy the encounters I have with them
on a daily basis. I especially love autumn when the deer rut. The sound
of roaring stags is magical.
WHAT ABOUT BIRDS? ANY PARTICULAR
FAVOURITES?
I love painting puffins. They lend
themselves to my style with their striking plumage and beautiful eyes and
beaks. I like their characters and try to interpret their behaviour in am
abstract style while keeping the birds recognisable.
WHAT ABOUT OTHER SPECIES?
I like painting any birds,
especially when they're on the wing, I like to create a sense of movement
in my paintings, but that can also be achieved even if the birds
are resting and preening. Swifts are firm favourites, and I am
enjoying watching swallows swooping about, catching insects.
YOUR STYLE IS UNUSUAL - HAS THAT ALWAYS BEEN YOUR TECHNIQUE?
When I started, I used to
paint in a more traditional style, generally in watercolour. Then, about 14
years ago, I started to experiment with a new way of working as I had become
bored painting traditionally.
WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST ABSTRACT?
It was a watercolour and
gouache called Puffin Paradise. I
entered it into a competition and won first prize in the abstract/experimental
category.
THAT MUST HAVE BEEN A BOOST
Well, it encouraged me to
continue experimenting. I switched to oil, the medium I
have used ever since. I love the vibrancy of the colour and the
feel of the paint.
ARE YOU EVER ASKED TO CARRY OUT
COMMISSIONS?
Yes, it's great fun designing a
painting to a client's brief. Some like to be involved in the design and some
prefer to leave me to it. However, the colour scheme is something we
always decide together. I send photos regularly so the client can approve
how the painting is developing and make changes if necessary.
WITH WHICH FAMOUS PERSON
WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO SHARE DINNER?
David Attenborough. I grew up
watching Life on Earth on TV and, since then, have followed every one of
his series. I met him briefly a few years ago when I was artist in
residence at Nature in Art in Gloucestershire.
WHAT WAS HE LIKE?
As you would expect, he was
charming.
IF YOU COULD TRAVEL BACK IN TIME
TO A PREVIOUS ERA, WHERE WOULD YOU GO?
A dip into Ancient Egypt would
be fascinating. I would like to see the pharaohs in all their glory.
DO YOU HAVE ANY PET ANIMALS?
I have three dogs, various chickens
and some tropical fish.
SAY SOMETHING ABOUT THE DOGS
I train and show my long-coated German
shepherd dogs - and occasionally breed a litter of puppies. One of the pups
went to Holland to work as a therapy dog
with the elderly.
AND THE CHICKENS?
I keep and breed large gold silkies.
DO YOU HAVE TIME FOR ANY OTHER INTERESTS?
I like gardening, growing my own veg and generally living the
quiet country life.
IS THERE ANYTHING THAT REALLY
IRRITATES YOU?
Animal cruelty or neglect and
the poaching of endangered species.
WHAT IS YOUR
FAVOURITE OVERSEAS DESTINATION?
I don't get to travel much because
of my commitment to the dogs, but I loved walking in the hills in Italy while
studying archaeology. It was so quiet and peaceful - just shepherds
herding their sheep amid beautiful countryside. Such fond memories!
DO YOU HAVE
A FAVOURITE PLACE IN BRITAIN?
The Malvern
hills are magical place. It's fascinating to watch the
light and weather systems change during the course of the day, and the views
across to the Cotswolds and Herefordshire are beautiful.
ARE THERE ANY PROGRAMMES YOU
PARTICULARLY LIKE TO WATCH ON TV?
I watch all animal programmes - pet,
vet, zoo or wildlife. I love natural history programmes. I also enjoy
British dramas, especially historical ones, plus science-based programmes and
anything to do with weather and space.
WHAT WAS THE LAST FILM YOU SAW?
At the cinema, it was the Bond
movie, Skyfall at home. At home, it was the American action
thriller, The Mechanic
ANY FAVOURITE MUSIC OR SINGER?
I tend to listen to BBC Radio 2
while I am working - I like the blend of music and conversation. My
all time favourite singer is Kate Bush. I have very clear memories of being
inspired by her album, Hounds of Love, and produced a lot of paintings
while listening to that.
ANY FAVOURITE FOOD?
My favourite food is my mum's lemon
meringue pie and her apple pie. I also the menus at The Chequers
in Rowhook where everything is seasonal and cooked and presented
beautifully.
FINALLY, DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE
DRINK?
A chilled glass of rose wine
is always nice...
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| Dream-like image of peacocks displaying |
* This feature is adapted from one that originally appeared in 2013 in the weekly publication Cage & Aviary Birds
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