Cheshire-based artist Ross Constable first solo art show

The gallery team raved about Ross’s art and also said he was an amazing guy. Ross’s background is in textile design and he spent time in the USA working in the that industry, before returning to the UK and becoming a teacher.

Then a fateful holiday and two spiteful little bugs had a huge impact on his life. Ross, like many travellers, was bitten by mosquitos when he was in Phuket, Thailand, with his girlfriend, Laura Hutchinson, in December 2018. On his return, he developed a flu-like illness, and, following several weeks of tests and painful symptoms, Dengue fever was diagnosed.

On top of skin shedding and dramatic weight loss, Ross had seizures. After many more blood tests, scans, changes of physicians and an excruciating lumbar puncture, Japanese encephalitis was thrown into the mix. It turns out Dengue fever and Japanese encephalitis cannot be carried by the same type of mosquito, meaning two of the blighters had got him.

Ross Constable’s art at the start of his recovery reflects his physical and mental experiences. Ross Constable Ross, from Timperley, now suffers Tourette’s Syndrome, a lifelong neurological hangover from this experience, which has had a major impact on his mental health. Ross explained to me how he has taken a proactive approach to these devastating changes.

After seeing a specialist machine on a TV programme about brain injury in rugby players, he approached The Brain Collective. Based in Harrogate, this organisation, which uses a range of cutting-edge technologies to alleviate a range of symptoms, both in clinic and at home, supplied a machine that sends pulsed light to stimulate the brain, helping his cognitive state.

Ross also took a food and allergy test, and changed his diet to avoid foods that may impact his vagus nerve.

He also runs with a friend through Carrs Park in Wilmslow. It is from these runs, that Ross gets inspiration for his latest artworks. Looking at the collection Ross has produced since his illness; it is easy to see the impact on his brain. Much of his earlier work is dark; then, as his recovery has progressed, his paintings have begun to get lighter and happier.

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Ross says the more he engages with nature, the more it is reflected in his art, and as a result, his health has improved, both physically and mentally.

I am delighted to say after such an arduous time battling these health challenges, Ross and Laura are now married and have a young daughter, Eva. Another huge light after the dark times is that all the art that Ross has produced has culminated in his first solo art show this month, at Hepplestone Art on Water Lane, Wilmslow. Come along and see for yourself the amazing works of an equally amazing man. You can also visit his website, rossconstable.com

The gallery has several artists with unique backstories on its books and you will also get to meet Ross himself, who is happy to talk about his art and the impact it, and nature, has on his wellbeing. I know I am a stuck record, but art is therapy: either produce it or look at it, it is good for you. If you do not believe me, come along to Hepplestone on May 8 and ask Ross Constable.

Jessica Slack with her bright and bold art. Image: Tag Heuer/Porsche Jessica Slack’s Radical Joy

You wait for one textile artist to come along and two arrive in the same month.

Jessica Slack is an up-and-coming Wirral-based artist. To look at Jessica’s work, her past life in textiles shines through with fluid abstracts in pastel pinks and blues.

Her artistic journey began in 2019 and she is now recognised as an emerging British artist attaining notable ArtPrize recognitions and a Bethlehem Abbey Pres card commission. Other commissioned work can be seen on the streets of Liverpool city centre, significantly, welcoming you into Liverpool One shopping area.

If you venture into the TAG Heuer outlet you can see her commissioned work for Tag and Porsche. Jessica’s latest collection, Radical Joy has her signature bold use of colour.

Jessica says: ‘Drawing inspiration from fleeting moments of joy, from the colours of a dreamy sunset, the beauty of shimmering frost and the transformative energy of self-expression, Radical Joy explores the interplay between nature, colour and emotion. The collection includes original paintings designed to energise and uplift interiors while bringing harmony and balance to any space.’

See her works when you are out and about shopping in Liverpool or at jessicaslack.com /collections

Tracy Tate is an artist who runs online gallery Tricky Art Studio with her daughter, digital artist Victoria Tate.

trickyartgallery.com