Yvonne Coomber | An Artists Stay in Devon
A few weeks back a group of utterly charming and talented women gathered together at artists Yvonne Coomber’s invitation. A very generous ‘artist in residence’ stay, we gathered at Pip Farm in Totnes, Devon. The farm had been filled with Yvonne’s work, each wall adorned with her joyful, happy paintings. Each window sill, ledge, infact most flat surfaces where filled with vases of flowers. You couldn’t walk into a more happier space.
Yvonne’s trademark paint splattered boots.
Bex from @botanical_tales led a miniature dried flower wreath making workshop. Which was so fun and bonding and thankfully Bex fixed mine as my wreath making skills are pretty shocking!
We had a wander through Totnes and visited Yvonne’s shop!
Then incredibly, Yvonne, generously invited us (all!) into her home for afternoon tea, with free reign to explore and photograph her house and garden. I absolutely loved this part of our experience, Yvonne’s home is like her paintings, eclectic and full of joy! And so much cake and how much tea cosy envy do you have? (I’ve already asked where the tea cosy was from and it’s a one off wedding gift made by a friend. I’m a bit gutted too.)
Yvonne’s studio, the last stop of our day in around Totnes was to see where Yvonne worked. Her studio is in a valley surrounded by fields and nature, exactly what you see in her paintings. She paints outside in the elements and the day’s weather affects the painting, wind, heat or even quiet stillness. It was very special to be invited into someone’s work space, see their tools, their half finished work and hear their story. Yvonne’s journey to becoming an artist wasn’t a straightforward path but it was inspiring and humbling to hear it in her own words.
Below is a list of everyone involved in the retreat, Yvonne as well as all the guests and those who looked after us. Do have a look through you’ll find some beautiful people and accounts to follow.
Yvonne @yvonnecoomber
Julia @humphreyandgrace
Janne @jannelford
Bex @botanical_tales
Miranda @mirandasnotebook
Lulu @acupfullofdreams
Tamsyn @tamsynmorgans
DÖrte @lewesmap
Elizabeth @blowyinthewind
Catherine @catherine_frawley
Katie @ceramicmagpie
Georgie @georgiestclair
Jeannett @pippiandmeceramics
Georgie @acitygirlatheart
Djamila @djamilasfreshfeasts
Marta @marta.matson
I can’t thank Yvonne enough for having me, I’m stunned I got to experience these few days. I left feeling inspired, hopeful and so lucky having been part of such a beautiful group of people. Thank you!
DISCLAIMER: I was very kindly invited to this event, but under no obligation to share. However as a photographer the whole experience was a visual treat and I can’t help but share the images. I hope you like them! All thoughts and images my own.