23.11.2025

Hello lovely people of the internet!

It has been a hot minute since I last showed my face - metaphorically of course - on here. I can honestly say I've been extremely busy. I have finished the first module of my new degree, started two more, and completed one whole painting! I've also had to do other normal life things like go to work, sleep, eat, etc. But I felt inspired to come say hello, if only briefly.

I have finally updated my website, so if you have not chosen to burden your existence with a social media account, then you can finally see my newest painting. You may (or may not) have been aware that in September NASA made a rather exciting announcement: Perseverance (the youngest Martian rover) had found a - very promising - potential biosignature! As of yet, the evidence found on the rock sample that Percy drilled up cannot be explained away by non biological processes. SO EXCITING.

Now don't get too excited yet, there is a long way to go before this can be said to be anything other than a tentative detection of possible ancient microbial Martian life; but it is a tentative detection and that is still incredibly exciting. (Have I used the word exciting enough yet? Are you excited too?) Whether this is a real detection or not, I knew that I'd regret it forever if it turned out to be legitimate and I hadn't commemorated the moment in paint. So without further ado, I can now introduce you to: Martian Developments, my newest creation!

Two closer up shots can be viewed in the gallery page on the website. I used a lot of glazes in this painting, so when the sunlight hits it, it practically glows from within - sadly I don't have the photography skills to capture this digitally for you. But I really am quite in love with this very impulsive and slightly bare and scratchy painting. Less planned and quite explorative in colour and mark making, this work just fell quite beautifully from my mind onto the wood. So I hope you like it too. It tells the story of water, dust (also in the raw pigment I sprinkled across the surface), and the imprint of life - both microbial and elements of Percy's design that I included; proof of the human lives that have touched Mars from 140 million miles away.

I don't know when I'll pick up a paintbrush again, but despite it being 14 months (between this and my last work) it felt no less natural and wonderful to make mess and art.

That's all I have to say for now I think, but I will return again at some point! Until then, remember to stay curious and creative! Pick up a pencil or paintbrush, look up at the stars, keep a look-out for space news, go for a walk and take in all the colours of nature and just generally revel in the wonderfulness that is being alive on our beautiful planet in our magnificent universe!

Anna.