Bobbi

-written by studio volunteer, Beth

“When I’m stressed out, I get a pen and paper and just let the pen do the work which relaxes me”

— explains Bobbi.

Since joining Artbox, forty-year-old Bobbi has made straw-blowing paintings, vibrant collages and has experimented with 3D art. The charity has helped Bobbi explore new techniques, taking inspiration from the likes of Pop Art’s Andy Warhol, to create a collection of bold and colourful pieces.

Bobbi tells me her love of animals spurs her vivid depictions of the natural world, as she leafs through the intricate paintings which will soon form her next work – a 3D London Zoo.

“People call me Mrs Doolittle because I’ve drawn hundreds of animals since I was a kid, I even talk to the pigeons when they’re crossing the road I love them so much.”

— she tells me.

Penguins, meerkats and a candyfloss pink elephant will be assembled in the 3D Zoo collage, each painted in bright acrylic textures against a rich green rainforest backdrop.

“When I sold my first piece of art, which was a painting of a giraffe, I started crying because I was so happy and shocked”

— Bobbi tells me.

Alongside creating a new income, Bobbi has been on multiple trips to galleries and art museums with Artbox and will soon begin teaching other artists in a volunteering role. One of whom, Shine, started with Artbox two months ago and Bobbi has helped to teach him collage techniques and blow painting.

“It’s like a big family, I’ve really found another happy family in Artbox.”

Bobbi (holding an Artbox cake) at the Facebook Art Department’s studio, along with the Artbox family