Meet Louise, a Chesham Dweller locally known for her water colour depictions of shoes and the iconic Volkswagen Beetle. In keeping with Chesham’s history of boot making, it seems Louise, short of being a *cordwainer, is keeping this aspect of Chesham’s associations alive. She remains humble about her work despite the fact that people obviously appreciate it, buying off-the-shelf prints and cards, as well as commissioning her for personal projects.
Born in Hammersmith, raised in Ruislip, Louise has been settled in Chesham since 2003. Throughout her upbringing, she was surrounded by a family of engineers and is now also married to one. Her father was a draughtsman for British Airways so, the innate ability to draw evidently runs in the family. With a background in Business Management, Louise is not formally trained under the brush and has only recently focused on her artistic development, prompted by a break in her career after having her children. Having recently studied art under the direction of the talented Biddy Lee, Louise has now firmly established herself as a local artisan, simply using her bedroom and her shed as modest studios. You can see much of Louise’s work in Chesham’s pop-up shop ‘Artworks’, alongside other local artists, including Christopher Young and Tony Moody.
Building on her portfolio, Louise periodically tries out new styles, challenging herself to expand her ability. Using the company of audio books, she ploughs through many a classic or modern (‘but no saucy ones’), and the hours fly while she sketches and draws.
For many, shoes are a memory trigger in the same way perhaps as a fragrance, or a piece of music. Fortunately, being available for commissions, Louise can help you capture those memories – and what a superb way to record your wedding shoes, Louboutins, your baby’s booties, cherished mutt or pet hamster….the list goes on.
Louise’s work can be bought as cards or framed prints, directly from louisehickmanartworks, or the gift website, gigglinghedgehogs. For personal commissions contact Louise via her website, or look out for her at the following shows:
29th November – Auction at Chesham’s Artworks shop
3rd December – West Wycombe Village
6th December – Amersham Artisan
7th December – Peterley Manor Farm, Prestwood.
Chesham Tales caught up with Louise at an exhibition in the summer, and at her quirky lay-out, homely dwelling in Chesham.
* A cordwainer – a shoemaker who makes fine, soft leather shoes and other luxury footwear articles.
Chesham Tales 