Sanghadevi Seymour
Painter
My Portfolio
Profile
I was born and grew up in North London, took a degree in Biological Sciences at Leicester University in the early 70s and returned to London after graduation to pursue an interest in Buddhism. I have been a practising Buddhist ever since and was ordained into the Triratna Buddhist Order in 1977 when I received a new name; Sanghadevi [which means 'one who illuminates the spiritual community'].
My artistic journey was initially driven by a felt need to depict dream and waking images including some of a more mythic, visionary or archetypal nature that arose in the context of a developing Buddhist practice. Over time, this creative exploration expanded to draw inspiration from the natural world, especially trees and other plants, flowers, rocks, water, and various life forms. Regular solo retreats often featured artist activity as well as meditation. The years passed and then in January 2001 whilst on retreat in the depths of the New Zealand bush I realised I had an artistic sensibility; I respond to what I perceive as beautiful and in addition to the contemplation of what strikes me as beautiful there is an urge to try and convey something of this in form. This marked the beginning of a more conscious pursuit of making art.
Whilst a preference for working directly from life exists, practical constraints often necessitate alternative approaches. When working en plein air I use chalk and oil pastels, occasionally coloured pencils or watercolour. Sometimes, I create digital art. In a studio setting, I will work with photos, quick sketches and memory to produce work in acrylic paint. I also enjoy making small-scale installation-type pieces from found objects and more spontaneous abstract work. Photos I take are a form of artistic expression in their own right and also capture ideas for paintings; for example last winter 2023/24 I found myself edging into some semi-urban landscape-type themes.
I am largely untutored however in 2003 I engaged in several 10-week courses at the Midlands Art Centre covering specific areas; Introduction to Mixed Media; Life Drawing; Portrait Drawing; Acrylic Painting; plus a Steiner-based water colour course in N Wales. Since living in Cambridge I've done a few short art courses as well as untutored classes in life-drawing, still life and landscape painting. I enjoy going on art-based holidays with friends who are practising artists.
I've been renting studio space at Unit13 since September 2023.