Connect with us
Advertisement
Advertisement

Community

An interview with Millie Marotta

Published

on

'Wild Savannah': Millie Marotta's brand new colouring book

‘Wild Savannah’: Millie Marotta’s brand new colouring book

PIONEER for the adult colouring book craze Millie Marotta spoke with The Herald last week (Feb 17), a few days after she released her latest collection, ‘Wild Savannah’.

Millie Marotta is the UK’s best-selling non-fiction author of 2015, the NY Times Bestselling author and her book, ‘Animal Kingdom’, spent a record 20 weeks as the official paperback non-fiction number one on Amazon.

On February 11, the Pembrokeshire-based artist released her third book, ‘Wild Savannah’, which offers beautiful and intricate illustrations of the Savannah grass lands. The colouring book is already being flagged as one of the biggest releases of 2016.

Speaking with Millie last week, she said that she has adored art for as long as she can remember and that she has always gravitated towards creative activities.

After studying Art and Design in school, she went on to do a degree in Wildlife Illustration and then became a teacher at Bush School, where she taught for a number of years.

In 2008, when the economy was taking a down turn, Millie decided to take the plunge and leave her stable, well paid job to become a freelance illustrator.

“I was really scared,” she told us, “People were like, ‘Oh my gosh, are you a bit mad?’ but I felt like it was the right time.

“I always carried on with my own projects outside of my job and my desire grew and grew. Teaching over time and nurturing other people’s creativity made me miss being more creative myself.

“My plan was to do freelance illustration and I had to make it work. I was deadly serious about it – I made sure it was going to work. It was really scary and it was a bold move, but it worked out.”

Millie Marotta-95

Millie Marotta: “Colouring is an easy way to be creative.”

We asked Millie whether she planned to create colouring books from the beginning, or if her art style paved the way for her.

Before creating her colouring books, Millie worked on a variety of different projects; textiles, food packaging, book illustrations, editorial… The list goes on.

Millie told us that her publisher’s had seen her work a year before they got in contact with her. The publisher’s had bought a screen print of the artist’s work to give to a colleague who was leaving their office.

A year later, they contacted Millie proposing the idea for an adult colouring book because her style of art seemed perfect for the craze.

“We met for a chat first of all and it seemed like a great idea – it made sense. I took in some drawings, which I thought would be good for the book and we had similar ideas.

“It all happened so quickly. I came away from the meeting and started drawing for my first colouring book the next day.”

We asked Millie whether she plans her books before starting. She replied: “I plan quite meticulously; I don’t make it up on the spot.

“My books are planned really well so that there is plenty of diversity. There are lots of different types of drawings; when you’re drawing in excess of 80 pieces, it’s important to think abou it carefully so that the whole book is beautiful and engaging.”

Millie told us that she is not one to wander around and she works best when she is in her studio. As her work is so meticulous and accurate, the artist likes to work at home in her usual, relaxed environment, at a desk surrounded by materials she loves to work with.

She draws every day, whether she is planning pieces as little thumbnails or creating a very accurate and precise final piece. Drawing is the largest portion of Millie’s day.

All of Millie’s work is nature based, and the natural world is what inspires her. She said: “I’ve always been fascinated by the natural world, it’s an inherent thing and it seems obvious for me to focus on it. I don’t have to think about it.”

Fellow artists who create nature-based pieces are the people who inspire Millie most. The artist loves Charlie Harper’s flat, clean stylised graphics and the intricate and scientific work of Ernst Haeckel. Millie went on to talk about Pembrokeshire artist John Knapp Fisher, whose monochrome style has always been an inspiration to her.

“Why do you think adult colouring books have become so popular?” we asked.

“Overall, it’s down to the fact that we all lead such busy lives. We cram so much into a day and there comes a time when we need to shut out the outside world.

“People need a simple and accessible way to be calm – to concentrate one thing instead of 100.

“Colouring is something we’ve all done as children, so it isn’t a new hobby, it’s inherent in all of us. There’s an element of nostalgia and familiarity.

“We kind of leave colouring behind – as children we love to be creative, but life takes over and we don’t allow ourselves time to engage in creative activities. Colouring is an easy way to be creative.”

We asked Millie what advise she would give to anyone thinking of pursuing a career in art. She told us that the most important thing is to take time to develop your own style.

“The illustration world is a busy market and it’s easy to look at other people and try to work like them.

“It’s important to do what comes naturally to you because your work is then honest and genuine. This makes you stand out and you will produce better work.”

Millie is already working on book number four, which will be released later this year, and is about to release a homeware range, which she tells us is “new and exciting” for her.

The artist is incredibly busy, but she’s happy to be – she tells us she would be doing this much even if she did not have deadlines to meet.

Millie has also recently become a patron for the Born Free Foundation, a charity whose aim is to keep wildlife in the wild. Funding for the charity goes towards stopping the suffering of wild animals and protecting threatened species in the wild.

By selling a limited edition print of the lion piece in Millie’s new ‘Wild Savannah’ book, the artist will help to raise money for the charity, and raise awareness while doing so. The print will be sold exclusively on the Born Free Foundation’s website.

Millie told us that she cannot wait to do more work with the charity in the future.

You can now buy Millie’s latest book, ‘Wild Savannah’ in most good book stores and online, and we at The Herald suggest you do that right away.

 

WildS1

MMWS_70

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Community

Royal British Legion’s Wales Festival of Remembrance pays tribute to Armed Forces

Published

on

WALES came together on Saturday (Nov 2) in a moving tribute to the Armed Forces community at the Royal British Legion’s Wales Festival of Remembrance. For the first time, the event took place at the International Convention Centre (ICC) Wales in Newport.

Hosted by broadcaster Sian Lloyd, the evening honoured several significant anniversaries, including the 80th anniversary of D-Day, the 25th anniversary of the end of the war in Kosovo, and the 10th anniversary of the end of UK operations in Afghanistan. A special tribute also marked 80 years since the liberation of ‘s-Hertogenbosch in the Netherlands by the Royal Welsh Regiment.

The event featured stirring performances by musical theatre group Welsh of the West End and classically trained soprano Laura Sidney. Choral contributions came from Barry Male Voice Choir, Cardiff Military Wives Choir Caerdydd, and Bristol Military Wives Choir, all accompanied by the Regimental Band and Corps of Drums of The Royal Welsh.

Honoured guests included D-Day veterans Jim Miller and John Fiddler, who received a warm welcome from the audience. Other notable attendees were The Rt Hon Jo Stevens, Secretary of State for Wales; Huw Irranca-Davies MS, Deputy First Minister; Brigadier Robert Aitken CBE, Lord Lieutenant of Gwent; and Colonel James Phillips, Veterans’ Commissioner for Wales, alongside senior military personnel.

Philippa Rawlinson, Director of Remembrance at the RBL, remarked: “In a year when we’re marking significant Second World War anniversaries, it’s important we also take time to remember the service and sacrifices of more recent conflicts and the younger generation of the Armed Forces community. Events like the Royal British Legion’s Wales Festival of Remembrance provide an opportunity to both honour the memories of those who have served in our Armed Forces in the past, whilst remembering those still serving today who protect our democratic freedoms and the way of life we all enjoy.”

Continue Reading

Charity

Annual 80s themed charity 5km Night Run returns to Milford Waterfront in support of RNLI

Published

on

FOLLOWING last year’s spectacular event, the Waterfront Community Runners are excited to announce the highly anticipated return of their 5K Charity Night Run on Milford Waterfront on Saturday 9 November 2024, in support of the RNLI.

This year’s run promises an unforgettable evening of fun, community spirit, and nostalgia, bringing back the best of the 80s to Milford Haven.

The evening’s festivities kick off at 6pm with an array of activities and entertainment creating an electric atmosphere from start to finish. Runners and supporters alike can look forward to live performances by the Samba DOC Band, a raffle stall with exciting prizes, and a selection of hot drinks and homemade cakes. The 80s-themed event encourages all participants to dress in neon, sparkles, or fancy dress, and get ready to run, dance, and celebrate for an important cause.

In line with the event’s night run theme, all participants are required to bring a head or chest torch to light their path along the route. Registration is open on the night from 4pm to 5:30pm with only 250 spots available on a first-come, first-served basis. To save time, runners can download the registration form in advance; however, early form submission does not guarantee entry. Due to safety concerns, dogs and pushchairs are not permitted, and children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. 

The registration form can be downloaded here. This event is a “fun run” and will not feature official timing, allowing participants to fully enjoy the unique atmosphere. Guests are encouraged to bring cash for on-site donations to the RNLI, as well as to enjoy treats and warm drinks at the event stalls.

Volunteers from Milford Haven’s Lifeboat Station are preparing to participate in the upcoming event, proudly wearing their helmets, life jackets and high-visibility gear. Their involvement not only demonstrates their dedication to the local community but also emphasises the crucial role the RNLI plays in ensuring safety at sea, all while raising funds for the organisation’s essential operations.

Continue Reading

Community

First Minister attends community transport operator workshop

Published

on

PEMBROKESHIRE Association of Community Transport Organisations (PACTO) held a successful community transport operator workshop event at Letterston Memorial Hall on Friday 25 October, which was attended by the First Minister for Wales, Eluned Morgan. 

The event, titled ‘Building Tomorrow: Our Pembrokeshire Community Transport Model’, enabled PACTO to update their partners and key stakeholders on the progress the sector has made since October 2023, when they launched their three-year Pembrokeshire community transport transformation project- which has been funded by the Motability Foundation and UK Government.

The day got underway with a welcome address by the First Minister to representatives from PRTA Green Dragon, Narberth Bloomfield NDCSA, Pembrokeshire Voluntary Transport, Royal Voluntary Service, and PIVOT. Eluned outlined the importance of community transport – particularly in a rural county like Pembrokeshire – before thanking the army of dedicated volunteers and employees who work tirelessly to provide a vital service to so many people right across the county, as well as focusing on the challenges and opportunities which lie ahead.

The fantastic work that the PACTO community transport connector team do was a key focus of the event. Having completed over 215 referrals in 2024, the connector service is vital to ensuring that those in need of transport are pointed in the right direction.

John Evans, the county director for Pembrokeshire for Hywel Dda University Health Board, gave a speech which highlighted the crucial role that the PACTO transport connector team plays in ensuring that people are able to attend hospital appointments, as he shared the story of how they were instrumental in helping a member of the public who had previously been unable to find a transport solution.

Transport was provided through the Pembrokeshire Integrated Voluntary Organisation Team (PIVOT) CT service, allowing them to receive treatment for a very complex medical matter which was potentially at risk of life-threatening complication. This resolution enabled them to attend their appointment. Evans also revealed that there have been over 6,200 hospital and non-hospital trips carried out since September 2023, an average of 27 trips per operational day (Monday-Friday).

Also in attendance was Jayne Kendall, the Wales project manager for the Cranfield Trust, which provides free management support for charities. Jayne gave a presentation that outlined how PACTO and the Cranfield Trust have been working together this year and the many ways in which the organisation helps charities across the UK.

Facilitated by Sachá Petrie, the sustainable transport community development officer for Awel Aman Tawe, the workshop provided the county’s community transport operators with the opportunity to come together for further engagement, discussion and collaboration on key issues, building on the overwhelming response PACTO received from their recent face-to-face consultations and online survey, which had more than 700 responses.

The event also gave PACTO and the operators a chance to work together towards an agreed Pembrokeshire CT delivery model, which will focus on passengers’ needs as one sector which is united, robust and future-proof.

PACTO are now embarking on Year Two of the project, which will primarily consist of data analysis and volunteer recruitment to ensure the operators are able to continue offering a lifeline to those who need transport.

Speaking about the event, Wyndham Williams, PACTO’s community transport transformation project manager, said: “It was great to see everyone coming together to reflect on all of our achievements during the project’s first year.

“We have seen a 13% increase in the number of trips using community transport services in the last 12 months, with 50,855 completed since September 2023.

“It was interesting to see the figures for all the different journey purposes, from hospital to non-hospital, shopping, social, leisure, education, employment, and personal business.

“This was also the perfect opportunity to officially thank our community transport operators for the lifeline they continue to provide for people in Pembrokeshire, particularly passengers with mobility needs.

“There was brilliant attendance from our community transport operators, as we came together for the first time to discuss how we can work together effectively to continue providing a lifeline service to the people of Pembrokeshire, and we’re extremely thankful for the opportunity that the Motability Foundation’s funding has given us.”

If you would be interested in becoming a community driver, please contact Damian Golden, PACTO’s accessible vehicle coordinator, by emailing [email protected] or by calling 07767 539740.

Continue Reading

News1 day ago

Missing photographer Chris Ellery safe in Ireland after two-day ordeal

A KEEN photographer from Bristol, Chris Ellery, has made a miraculous landing in Ireland after his small boat broke down...

Crime2 days ago

Pembrokeshire man admits ‘overstepping’ in stalking case

A HAVERFORDWEST man acknowledged he ‘overstepped’ following charges of home burglary and stalking. Spencer Lepetit, aged 35 and residing in...

News2 days ago

Police confirm man found dead in Clarbeston Road property

A MAN has been found dead at a property in Clarbeston Road on Friday (Nov 1). Dyfed-Powys Police were called...

News3 days ago

Cliff fire ignited by Fireworks near Lindsway Bay

AT 10:11pm on Thursday (Oct 31), the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service crew from Milford Haven Fire...

Crime3 days ago

Fishguard man jailed for sexual assault on stranger in her own home

A FISHGUARD man who subjected a woman to a “brutal” assault in her own home, dragging her back by her...

Business4 days ago

Pembrokeshire’s Barti Rum wins Gold at Great British Food Awards 2024

Renowned food expert and TV personality Merlin Griffiths has awarded Barti Spiced Rum a gold Badge at this year’s Great...

Sport4 days ago

Pembrokeshire racer crowned world champion with Tom Brady’s electric raceboat team

A Welsh racer has clinched the title of world champion with Team Brady, a team co-owned by American football legend...

News4 days ago

Taxes up, spending up – It’s Reeves’ gig gamble

THE HEADLINE from today’s Budget is a £40bn increase in taxes. However, those tax increases are aimed at wealth, investment...

News5 days ago

£1.7bn boost for Welsh Government in UK Budget

CHANCELLOR Rachel Reeves presented the UK Budget on Wednesday, unveiling an additional £1.7bn in funding for the Welsh Government next...

Health6 days ago

RAAC problems to persist at Withybush General Hospital

WITHYBUSH Hospital in Haverfordwest is facing ongoing challenges due to reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC), with management acknowledging the issue...

Popular This Week