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born to paint | | Date Added: August 08, 2010 01:15:04 PM | | The normally tranquil, picturesque village of Polruan was buzzing with excitement on Friday 16th July as 2 events we about to liven up the locals.
First a birthday party at the home of Victor Scott who celebrated his 91st year in typical style with a group of pals singing his favourite old tunes plus Egg & Bacon pie for Cake, prepared by his Grandson Phil Olsen for which he is renowned. Vic, one of 10 children and only 2 remaining, hopes to emulate his brother Jack who was hale & hearty until 97 and spent many happy years as Landlord of The Lugger Inn, one of Polruans 2 pubs. Vic is a veteran of WW2, refers to himself as a 'Devonshire Dumpling', born on t'other side of the Tamar but brought up in Menheniot where his sister, now 93 battles on. Gratefully independent at home, he is no longer able to visit his local The Russel Inn where he entertained everyone for years, with his gifted voice and love of story-telling, attributes his longevity to 'Cigarettes & Whiskey, & Wild, Wild Women ', surely his theme tune.
Vics guests included a local Artist ,Kate Tolley, and after much merriment they eagerly followed her to The Russel for the unveiling of her latest commission, a painting of Tosh, local Polruan ferryman for 20 years and character of some note who celebrates his 50th birthday this year.
He had admired a painting of Kates she created for the current Landlords of The Lugger, Polruan Colin & Shelagh Dolphin and asked if she did portrtaits. Kate was immediately signed up , 'for my children ' said the Seaman who has suffered several serious health scares in recent times but was bowled over by Kates story.
Kate, now 32, attended Falmouth College in 1995 to study a degree in Art, her passion. Her work as an Estate Agent took her away to Worcester and in 2007 tragedy struck in the form of a motorbike accident which left Kates good, right arm permanently paralysed. But Destiny was not to be denied. In 2009, Kate relocated to Fowey spending many long hours teaching herself to make the most of her left arm, and by learning how to write, she could also paint, once again bringing her dreams to life. She says ' I am lucky to live in a bright, airy house with lots of the natural light Cornwall is famed for so have the perfect place to paint at home. Retraining myself has taken time & patience, plus my husbands encouraging support.......as with anything else, the more you do the better you get !'
Kate surprised Tosh with a Cartoon painting of him being chased by Badgers ( a favourite old tale ) and both pictures are on view at The Russel Inn for a limited time. She also loves to paint the Cornish Countryside using Acrylics on Canvas, her favoured medium.
If the response from the locals is anything to guage by, Kates hard work, inspirational story & engaging personality should mean her dreams have been re-ignited and success is thoroughly deserved. Contact Kate on 01726 833850 / katietolley@gmail.com |
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