A Wrexham artist is one of four winners in the F Jones Initiative which has recognised her talent, which helped her mental health during the pandemic.
Wrexham Lager and F Jones Food Service created the F Jones Initiative to recognise those in the Wrexham community who stand out.
Jon Roberts director at Wrexham Lager and Sharon Roberts, project lead for the F Jones Initiative are behind the initiative and said they, "have great pleasure in recognising Sara for her wonderful drawing and painting skills".
Sara Jones has had a talent for drawing since she was four years old and could hold a pen. Growing up Sara spent a lot of time teaching herself drawing skills. She draws mainly portraits and fashion-type illustrations, using bright colours for a striking effect.
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She uses watercolour and ink and takes her inspiration from other genres such as Pop Art, vintage fashion magazines, and eras such as the 1950s and 1960s.
During the lockdown, Sara spent time drawing and painting and now has a large portfolio of work. Sara is passionate about encouraging others to paint as she feels it helps their mental health. She suffers from anxiety and uses painting and drawing as therapy.
Sara spent the whole of lockdown on her own, in a flat, with no garden. She would experience extreme fear and panic attacks and really needed something positive to get through the dark times.
Her depression and anxiety caused her to avoid going outdoors during the pandemic. She practices “art journaling”, which involves painting in a journal to focus her mind away from negative thoughts.
She used lockdown as an opportunity to really practice her skills while she was alone. Sara focuses on bright colours and painting beautiful things instead of watching the news.
Emotions are something she channels into her work, and people have said they can see Sara in her work. An example is a painting of a woman crying to represent the pain of having Fibromyalgia
Sara has advice for anyone that is to believe in themselves.
She said that people should, “try not to compare yourself to others, there is only you, everyone is unique and has something to offer. Talent comes with patience and practice, not just being born with a skill.”
A statement from the F Jones Initiative said: "We think she most definitely has a talent and loves the fact she has highlighted how art can be therapeutic and can help people’s mental health."
You can see more of Sara’s work on her Instagram page sara_fashion_illustration.
The competition is still open, with monthly prizes to be won, of £100 plus £75 in vouchers donated by Lot 11, The Bank, and The Fat Boar.
A grand prize for the overall winner is £1000 plus a two-night dinner, bed, and breakfast package donated by Rossett Hall Hotel. All you must do is email or nominate someone to fjoneco@aol.com. It can be for their talent or how they help or make a difference to you or the community.
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