The evolution of Pocket of Art
Where it all started
Every great story has a beginning, and Pocket of Art's journey started in 2019, following a transformative pilgrimage along the Camino in 2018. What began as a personal journey became an opportunity to share and hopefully help others with their own. For me it was always a spiritual and creative venture. Having documented the experience as I walked and then back in my studio illustrating in watercolour: out of this a successful book was published in 2021.
Returning home to Cambridge, I felt inspired to continue painting in watercolour with pen and ink, capturing the beauty and character of the city I love. That creative momentum led to my first exhibition at Michaelhouse in Cambridge in 2018, alongside two other local artists. A moment I'll never forget. Seeing my paintings find homes with people who connected with them was the spark that ignited everything that followed. It was the validation I needed to believe that this art mattered, and that there was an audience ready to welcome it into their lives.
A clear mission
From the very first brushstroke, the mission was clear — to create art that tells a story, whether it's a serene Cambridge, a meaningful piece of faith and biblical inspiration, a vibrant floral study, a wistful boat on water, or a charming and quirky illustration. Each work was designed to be more than just decoration; it was meant to be a conversation starter, a moment of reflection, celebration of life or a welcomed gift.
From market stalls to seasonal fairs and beyond
In those early days, Pocket of Art started at Cambridge market, where direct conversations with customers shaped the direction of the collections.
What followed was a natural expansion — transforming my paintings into greeting cards and gifts that could reach even more people. The range has developed over the years and continues to be popular.
I have also started attending seasonal Art and Craft fairs across Cambridge and Ely, finding new and creative ways to transport my pop-up stall, equipment, banners, and, of course, my artwork, cards, and gifts.
Over the past several years, I have attended a variety of events, enjoying the atmosphere, learning from and with other traders, meeting new people, and having the opportunity to share my work with a wider audience. It has been both challenging and rewarding, helping me to grow in confidence and experience.
From exhibiting at Michaelhouse, I have gone on to display my work at St Paul’s Church, St Peter’s Church, and St Edmund’s College as well as stalls at St Bene't's and St John's . I have been invited to present and speak about my art and ministry at seminars, where I have received very positive and encouraging responses from those who attended and delighted to have had the opportunity to collaborate for the research project, 'Material Rendering of Imagery of 'Divine' and 'Faith' among Practicing Christian Adults with Artistic Skills.' by Pavlina Kasparova in 2024.
From those early market days to the online store you see today, Pocket of Art has remained committed to the same core values: original art, storytelling, and a genuine connection with every person who discovers a piece that speaks to them. The journey continues to evolve, but the heart of what I do — creating art that resonates — remains unchanged.
