Over the past few months, my work has become even more deeply rooted in the woodland world that surrounds me. Much of my recent inspiration has come not only from creating in the studio, but from quietly observing wildlife in its most honest and vulnerable moments. Through my trail cam videos, I’ve been documenting badger and fox cubs emerging cautiously into the night, and the hidden lives that unfold while most of us are asleep. Watching these fleeting moments has reminded me why I create art in the first place: to encourage people to slow down, reconnect with nature, and see woodland creatures as emotionally intelligent beings that share the landscape with us.
This connection to woodland life has flowed directly into my newest artworks. One of my latest pieces centres around a hedgehog, a creature that has, to me, long symbolised gentleness and quiet resilience. Entitled ‘Chris’, the piece was created at a time when an old friend came out of hibernation to offer support when I really needed it.
In another work, entitled ‘Acceptance’, I explore themes of belonging and the universal desire to be accepted for who we truly are. The badger, an animal so often misunderstood, became the perfect character through which to tell that story.
My hares also continue to appear throughout my practice, particularly in my recent ‘Running with the Family’ piece, where the central hare experiences the lack of family support, depicted by the black hares. The family tree roots extending over the fox, who is asleep. This echoes recent personal experiences through close family trauma.
Although these works are rooted in animals and nature, they are ultimately about human emotion. I often use woodland creatures as mirrors for experiences many of us struggle to articulate — loneliness, healing, fear, hope, protection, and transformation. I want viewers to feel that they are stepping into a living story rather than simply observing a picture. The felt itself plays an important role in that storytelling. As a tactile and organic medium, it carries warmth and softness that feels closely connected to the natural world I am depicting. Even as a child, playing with a felt pieces playset, I made felted animal pictures for the wall, with felt trees and felt green grasses.
Sometimes the titles of my artwork are quietly influenced by the music I listen to — a lyric, a song title, or even just a phrase that lingers in my mind. I often reshape or reinterpret the words slightly, allowing them to evolve into something that fits the feeling or story behind the piece. Occasionally, the narrative or emotion within a particular song mirrors the themes I’m exploring in the artwork itself, creating another layer of meaning within the piece.
Alongside my artwork, I’ve also been sharing more behind-the-scenes moments online, documenting my creative process and the wildlife encounters that inspire it. Authentic creativity is something I care deeply about. In a world increasingly shaped by fast content and artificial perfection, I believe there is still enormous value in creating slowly, honestly, and with emotional intent. My work is not about trends or mass production; it is about building meaningful connections between people, stories, and the natural world.
Looking ahead, I plan to continue expanding the Badger Wood universe and exploring themes of woodland protection, coexistence, and healing through art. I’m particularly interested in creating work that encourages greater compassion towards British wildlife and the fragile habitats they depend upon and the symbiotic connection between fungi and trees. Through both my art and my wildlife documentation, I hope to keep celebrating the beauty, mystery, and emotional depth of the creatures that share our gardens, woods and hedgerows, as well as healing myself through my art practice and personal journey.
~ Minty 🍄
brockwoodcottagestudio@gmail.com
Insta: @brockwoodcottagestudio
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