Southport artist and designer, Jenny Curwen, decided that she wasn’t going to let the present isolation restrictions prevent her from rejoicing and sharing in the sudden explosion of floral displays around the region.



“In the ordinary scheme of things, myself and around seven of my friends would organize and help out at the Tuesday @ 2 club at Christ Church Lord Street. 100 people plus are normally gathered together to enjoy some company, fellowship and a talk or demonstration, followed by tea and biscuits. Then we would go out for a meal and on to the cinema. Then came the Covid-19 storm, making us all prisoners in our own homes to different degrees, putting to an end normal life. I was one of the lucky ones allowed to take an hours exercise per day.”



She explains further: “On my daily one hour walks during lock down, I have been fortunate enough to have the freedom to discover the amazing blooms of Birkdale. I found beautiful flowers everywhere, bursting with spring colour, in the gardens all across Birkdale. Each day now has become an adventure. Setting off in a different direction, being lead by spots of colour peeking over garden walls. Each expedition around Birkdale has revealed, bright, beautiful blooms that I could share with my friends to lighten the days.”



Jenny then hit upon a way of imparting her excitement. “My walks were now filled with a purpose and I decided to share these wonderful flowers with my family - some of whom could not leave their homes at all. It was my way of lifting their spirits while out on my daily walk, and communicating the magnificent floral displays via ‘WhatsApp’. This was a great way of keeping us all connected and enjoying the benefits of nature whatever the situation.”



SCA director, Norrie Beswick-Calvert was so impressed with the idea that she selected Jenny to share the July Artist of the Month slot at the ArtHouse in Eastbank Street.



Jenny has been pursuing her photographic art since studying at Southport Art College. “I signed up and soon found myself immersed in projects and different techniques. I soon discovered the miracle of photography, that in a single moment, time can be frozen and saved forever. I love the excitement of capturing the image and the immense pleasure of seeing it in print.”



She explains: “I am inspired by nature and my favourite type of photography is Macro exploring colours and shapes, getting in close and seeing the tiny details within. I like to experiment with water droplets on dandelions and flowers and to capture vivid images of oil floating on water. To look deep inside soap bubbles, to capture ever changing shapes.”



“The photos I shared with friends are shots of what I saw in the gardens, impulsively taken, with my phone. I have framed them up for the exhibition and they give a big splash of colour - simply nature at its best. One day we will put together a talk of these testing times and share the images that helped us through these bad days.”



Sandgrounders who can’t wait, can check out Jenny’s macro-photographs – Birkdale Blooms - at the ArtHouse in Eastbank Street 30th June – 1st August. The gallery is open Tuesday – Friday 10.00-15.00

Saturday 11.00-16.00.