Billhook to Brush, an evening hosted by artist Toby Wiggins.

As part of the Dorset Coppice Group’s fundraising efforts, a very small but intimate audience of coppice workers and artists gathered for Billhook to Brush, an evening hosted by artist Toby Wiggins.

Toby and I chatted about how a chance encounter with one of my signs, spotted in a roadside hedge in Dorset, helped rekindle his journey of portraying the rural communities of Wessex. What began as a passing moment developed into a painting over 18 months, culminating in its exhibition at the Mall Galleries London and Toby winning the prestigious Ondaatje Prize for Portraiture.

It was also fascinating to discover our shared interests and mutual friends, and to learn more about Toby’s previous work in portraiture, including his involvement in the prestigious BP Portrait Award.

A wonderful reminder of how chance encounters can spark creativity, reconnect people and lead to extraordinary things.

 #doset #coppicecraft #artandnature #ondaatjeprize #mallgalleries #dorsetcoppicegroupfundrasing