Natasha will be located in Venue 11 - Furlongs

I work using hand tools, in local sandstone and slates and make everything from house signs to garden sculptures. I have recently extended to working with paint & mixed media.

I am a stone carver with over 20 years of experience who has recently dipped my toes into painting and found it exhilarating and refreshing. In 2020, just before the world changed, galvanised by an online course, I began to paint. My painting was born in lockdown.

I am based in Ancrum and when not stone-carving, work in mixed media. My practice evolves from playing with colour, form and memory. I use acrylic paint, collage and pastel. I sand back and paint over, creating levels and inviting chance to play a part.

I begin with no plan or direction and work in series, painting several boards at once which keeps the paintbrush moving and the work fresh. Often a collaged photo informs the work's direction. I love old copies of National Geographic.

My interests lie in the environment, the elements, and our precious planet. Dreams and travel also feature in my work. I am interested in symbolism and there is a surrealistic look to my work.

There is a separate stone-carving workshop. And yes, my stone work continues, mainly to commission and in the courses which I love to run.

Here are sculptures for sale as well as paintings, and some work in stone specially made for this event. There will also be handmade cards.

So now there will be much more to explore when you venture down the rutted track……

You can find out more about Natasha Smith on her website.