My artist life has come in fits spurts, and it was only in the past few years that I’ve created larger pieces. I’m leaning in to the feelings of creating textures and colour, while trying to let go of control and the focus on outcome. I believe art should be about the process.

That’s probably why sometimes my art stalls, when life takes over and the enjoyment of the process gets lost. But I always find it again.

I could write on and on about my art inspirations, about the way it feels to create and how it fuels my soul. But I’d rather you get in touch and we can talk about which pieces you like, why you like them and what you think would suit your home.

Why Mabel Oakley?

In thinking of a name for my art business, I wanted to honour some very important people in my life. I was lucky enough to know both sets of grandparents, and they were all unique, wonderful and extremely unforgettable, each in their own ways.

Mabel stems from my paternal Granny Law - always known as Joan, her full name was Mabel Joan Law (nee Watson). She hated the name Mabel, so chose to be known as Joan - what a strange choice! She even changed her names round on her passport but we don’t think that was ever done officially! If you ever met her, you’d remember. An extraordinary raconteur, highly opinionated and extremely funny. And the least likely person to be a vicar’s wife.

Oakley is a family name on my mum’s side: my Grandpa John was Alan Oakley John. Grandpa was one of a kind - a GP by trade, but really a little kid. He’d let us ‘play’ in his workshop (which was next to the kitchen in the house), and leave us there to explore the crates of cardboard, wood and have a go with glue guns, hacksaws and drills. Then take us for a walk in the New Forest (muddy or wet?) and a cream tea.

Honouring my other two grandparents, Gertrude Imogen and Donald Edward Boughton, will have to wait for another venture! But they were also very much loved.