Joanna Blossom

I am an artist living on the edge of The New Forest. I use folklore, folksong, old customs, games and rituals to explore contemporary issues particularly social and economic disparity. Country living can be a strange mix of bounty and hopelessness but when people have access to their own strong and sinuous roots, their own history and stories they have anchorage and hope. I seek the stories that connect us and as an artist I’m thinking of different ways of pinning them up on the metaphorical village hall notice board for all to see. Alongside my own practice I run drawing workshops as The Village Hall Draw and community workshops around the New Forest working with Culture in Common and Hampshire Cultural Heritage amongst others.

I’m passionate about creativity, arts and culture, and their power to inspire people, connect communities and make a positive difference. Through Design Fox Collective, I combine creative thinking, design, digital technology and marketing to support artists, cultural organisations, charities and community projects. From branding and websites to event apps and interactive cultural experiences, I help people share their stories, reach wider audiences and bring ideas to life. I believe creativity has the power to create and connect. I enjoy listening to people, understanding their ideas and exploring how I can help bring their vision to life. Have a project or idea? Let’s connect and explore what we could achieve together!

I am a Fine Art graduate and Holistic Creative Practitioner based in Gosport, Hampshire. My practice brings together art, storytelling, creative exploration and reflective activities to encourage curiosity, wellbeing, connection and self-expression. I work across community, cultural and educational settings with both adults and children, creating welcoming spaces where people can explore ideas, make, connect and discover something about themselves and one another. My work is particularly interested in creativity as a way of connecting people, exploring different perspectives and strengthening our sense of belonging.