I moved to Brightlingsea 10 years ago and was instantly inspired by the stunning views across the estuary. After a career as a textile designer and becoming a Mum of two, I naturally gravitated towards creating my own artwork, drawing inspiration from the sea.
Over the years, I’ve explored various mediums. I’ve produced many paintings in acrylics and watercolours, created textile pictures, painted lampshades, and have made collaged art pieces — all with a distinctive seascape theme. I’ve sold my work at craft fairs, in local shops, and exhibited in local galleries.
I seem to have an inbuilt drive for creativity and making art has definitely boosted my mental well-being and positivity over the years.
Beyond my own art work, I also have a big passion for sharing creativity with others. Running workshops in the town for all ages during the past few years, has been incredibly rewarding. I’ve had the pleasure of running art sessions for events such as the Winterfest Well-being Weekend, and have collaborated with Ruth for ‘Children’s art and writing’ sessions for Brightlingsea Literary festival.
I’ve run many art workshops in locations across Brightlingsea— including the Lobster Hatchery, All Saints Church, the primary school and at the beach too!
In 2023, I was thrilled to become a Creative in Residence at the Brightlingsea Lido. This opportunity took my work in an exciting new direction. My first project was a book with Ruth celebrating 90 years of the Lido, for which I created 52 collage based illustrations inspired by poems and writings from the local community. It was a completely new challenge that pushed me out of my comfort zone, but I loved every moment. Seeing the book and artwork so well received, especially when a selection of illustrations were displayed at Brightlingsea Library was incredibly rewarding.
Following that, I collaborated with artist Chrissie Richards on a large scale community art project, bringing to life the history of the Lido through Ruth’s story. We ran workshops with all areas of the community from local care homes to school children, and created 10 stunning collages, now proudly displayed around the Lido. Witnessing the community’s creativity come to life in these pieces was amazing.
What’s Next?
Reflecting on the past decade, I feel I’ve come so far—Making my own art work, collaborating with other creative people and bring art workshops to the local community has brought me so much joy! Seeing the joy that others get from making art too, and lots of lovely comments after my workshops has also given me such a buzz!
Art is such a powerful tool for mental well-being and I’m passionate about continuing to share that. Pushing out of the comfort zone, realising that ‘I can do new things’ and believing in myself is the best feeling and I want to help others realise that too through their creativity.
I’m looking forward to creating lots of new art pieces, more collaborations and running further workshops in the town… and maybe some more book illustrations too!
The art journey continues, and I can’t wait to see where creativity takes me next!
My work will be on display at Brightlingsea Library throughout May 2025 and my paintings are also available to buy at Little boat gifts in Brightlingsea.
Please see more of my art work and info about current workshops on:
Facebook : @beachscapes
Instagram : @beckyjackson.artist
and contact me via email:
Fabulous stuff Becks, great achievements on your journey so far and great work too. That lampshade is a thing of beauty!! Keep creating and keep sharing that gift. X