Meela Jaarsman is known for creating wearable shelters from the most unusual materials. Imagine a cocoon, a “security blanket” made from the skins of frogs, squirrels and snakes, or the bark of banana trees. The Netherlands born artist has lived in Yogyakarta for many years and is inspired by Indonesian culture and the social, political issues that exist within her chosen home. These garments represents protection, and a yearning for security in the face of fear. I find the one below, made entirely of urchin shells, quite poignant. The shells once offered protection to the urchins they homed. Eventually, their squishy insides were eaten or washed away, and the spines dissolved into the sea, leaving a beautiful shell behind. The shells appear fragile, but in fact, their shape and construction make them quite durable.

I came across the work of Brazilian modernist artist, Amadeo Luciano Lorenzato, better known as Lorenzato, and I fell in love with his childlike compositions and gorgeous use of colour. With no formal training, Lorenzato’s paintings possess a rawness and simplicity that we often see among unschooled artists. ““He doesn’t belong to cliques,” wrote Lorenzato on the reverse side of an untitled painting in 1948. “He paints what he feels like painting. Amen.”

Sometime in the depths of December, I realized that I need to explore other mediums. I love clay, and while I know that it will always be a place to which I return, I am yearning for creative experiences that aren’t so laborious. I want to try my hand at papier–mâché, collage and drawing with my eyes closed. I want to play with ink and finger paints. For every 2021 triumph, there were many, many heartbreaks, and no less love, energy and time went into the latter. At the end of the year, the largest bowl I’ve ever made went to dear friends who wanted it despite a seismic crack through its base. That was gratifying. But so many other pieces never made it to the second firing, or when they did, came out looking dishearteningly shit. I’ll continue to work with clay –– it has so much yet to teach me –– while taking time each day to make something quickly and without much thought. I’ve been sketching almost daily with my seven-year-old daughter and most of the time it’s hard to decipher which drawing is hers and which is mine. I’d say that’s a compliment to us both. I’m not quite ready to show them to you, but watch this space. In the meantime, here are some beautiful crayon scribbles by artist, Jane Davies.

Japanese artist, Jiro Yoshihara devoted a decade of his career to painting the perfect circle. He explored the motif tirelessly, creating countless circles with just one or two brush strokes. There are no two the same. I love the idea of dedicating oneself to one shape or one colour. Very often, its in that focus that we find endless freedom and possibility.