Picture this!
16th July 2024
We asked Shane, our winter 2023 issue’s cover artist, to share five North Norfolk places he’s been inspired by – in pictures!
Bessingham is where my dad was born. During my childhood he told stories of why only East Anglia had round towers (mostly exaggerated ideas) and about the Lord of the Manor having a pet bear who escaped and chased the local policeman! It was the first of my round towers, it features Toby the bear, the reason my artwork often has odd animals involved!
![](https://www.northnorfolkliving.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Bessingham-1024x1024.png)
My work features Blickling lots – the hall is incredible, the orangery inviting, but the pyramid mausoleum has a special place in my heart. Strolls through the park to suddenly turn a corner to find the amazing structure in the trees, stark grey in the autumnal colours, or with the wood floor vibrant with bluebells. This imagined topiary and wandering zebras sold within days of being exhibited.
![](https://www.northnorfolkliving.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Blickling-1024x1024.png)
Norfolk has stunning statement destinations – but small things bring pleasure. A stone on the beach, an animal fleetingly spotted. I’m a simple soul. Each year, on my birthday, we nip to Cromer, have chips on the beach and stand in front of an orange beach hut to photograph the yearly transition in our family. I’ve never had a beach hut – but their quirkiness reminds me why I’d never stray far from a beach!
![](https://www.northnorfolkliving.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Cromer-1024x1024.png)
The Red Dot Gallery in Holt is a gallery with character, entirely encapsulating the vision of the owner Colin. Individual, exciting and wonderful. Having my work surrounded by gifted artists, or lovely lamps in the shape of a flamingo, or even just the subtle smell of quince when in season! My work is distinct, a slow process to create the ‘heat press’ originals, or hours of layering that goes into the mixed media prints – I understand they are idiosyncratic, when people connect, the joy is immense.
![](https://www.northnorfolkliving.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Holt-1024x1024.png)
The first of my artworks that Colin spotted was of Salthouse Church, it was in a window of an art collective in Norwich; he had wandering by accidentally. Salthouse has been a stunning subject for my work, the church has featured in more works than any other building in North Norfolk – I just adore the sweeping landscape and awe-inspiring view.
![](https://www.northnorfolkliving.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Salthouse-1024x1024.png)
You can see more of Shane’s work at The Red Dot Gallery in Holt, www.thereddotgallery.com