From illustration to murals...from ceramic giftware and marketing to interior design….from teaching art students to Saga Holidaymakers... Val Littlewood’s career has been extensive and immensely varied.
Initially trained as an illustrator and designer and represented by top UK agents Val worked for all major publishing houses and for the advertising industry. From illustration she went on to be a designer and product development manager for Compton and Woodhouse and the ceramic giftware industry designing for Royal Doulton, Wedgewood and Royal Worcester.
She has returned to study art regularly to revitalise her own work and develop new ideas and directions. She holds a BA in Fine art and an MA in Iillustration and Editorial design. Studies have included Illustration, Fine Art, Art history, Fine Decorative Techniques, Restoration techniques, Photography ,Exhibition Design, Ceramics, and Art Therapies. She is currently researching for a PHD.
During all this time Val has been an art teacher to all
levels and abilities. Firstly teaching illustration and then general Art
and Design which included printmaking, bookmaking, sculpture and ceramics.
Most recently she was running BTEC Interior Design course and teaching Adult
Education classes in watercolour, pastel, life drawing and interior decorative
techniques. In teaching and lecturing her aim is to encourage the individual
to find their own particular and personal artistic way.
Her sympathetic and
encouraging style of teaching and lively classes won her a loyal following
of students. She travels frequently to Andalucia where the light, the landscape, the
climate (and the wine!)are a constant delight.
Her work reflects the many interests she has in arts of all
media, from icons, recently studied in Cyprus to classic watercolours, pastels,
tempera and oils and acrylics and ceramics and sculpture.Happy working from
tiny to tremendous...for public and private commissions.
A recent trip to Costa Rica as a volunteer designer for a
womans craft cooperative has brought new ideas and new inspirations..but
hasnt yet cured the itchy feet....
A few words.......
I was born in Leeds 1952 and brought up in rural Linconshire, a county with big skies and imense vistas where the myths and legends of the flat lands are bound up with the growing of crops and the seasonal changes of the English countryside.
A childhood full of nature, gardens, walks, books, animals,of making everything from anything..to eat to wear and to do. Creative,enquiring, musical,and grounded in common sense it was an independant childhood which certainly influnced my choice of career and my love of the new, the different and the challenging.
