Postcards from Life: Meet the artist

Postcards from Life: Meet the artist

Gill Thompson called Herefordshire home for the best part of 40 years.

During that time she raised three children and worked as a speech and language therapist, special needs teacher and latterly a headteacher at Kings Caple Primary School.

‘I have always painted and experimented with creative opportunities but when I reached retirement I went back to Hereford College of Arts and did some printmaking courses,’ said Gill.

‘This led me to set up my own print studio where I can work and teach.’

Gill has good reason to support St Michael’s.

‘During our time in Herefordshire, several friends and colleagues spent their final days in the care of the Hospice, and their families have received wonderful ongoing support. ‘We never know when we may need to avail ourselves of this truly special facility.

‘I have taken part in Postcards from Life for five years and hope to continue to do so in years to come. It‘s a small thing to contribute some artwork to help raise much-needed funds.’ 

After retiring, Gill moved to the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides.

‘Our life is very different with the sea an ever-present backdrop. This has influenced my printmaking and I have switched from rolling Herefordshire hills and woodland to coastal vistas and croftland.’

Inspired by Postcards, Gill this year organised a fundraising exhibition on the island. 

With the help of a local gallery, there was an exhibition of postcard-sized artwork, generously donated by island artists. ‘We raised money for the hospice in Stornoway, and towards purchasing a beach-accessible wheelchair for the West Harris Trust,’ added Gill.

‘This was a great event and the money raised exceeded our expectations. We hope to do it again once restrictions are relaxed.’

To view all Postcards from Life artwork, including Gill’s work, click here https://bit.ly/2JOrlpn