Meet the Tutor: A wander down the garden path with Heather Held

At Ardington, we pride ourselves on feeling like a family, and no one embodies that vision more than the first artist we’re featuring in our ‘Meet the Tutor’ blog. Today, we’re peeking beyond what we see on Zoom to take a sneaky look behind the scenes at the studio of Heather Held.

Near Toronto in Canada, surrounded by windows, glorious garden views, and accompanied by a three-legged stray cat, Heather has created a space where her craft warms her heart.

We talk about her groaning bookshelves, daily rituals, and why the blank page isn't nearly as scary as it seems.

The Studio Sanctuary

For Heather, her studio is more than just a workspace; it’s a sacred space. "My husband built me this in 2017," she shares. "It is a glorified garden shed, about twenty feet from my home” but, she goes on, "it is so good to have it.” 

A place she always feels inspired, Heather explains how she loves to be “surrounded by windows and a view of my garden."  The view may be serene, but the reality of studio life can be... well, “It’s a messy business at times!"

Heather's desk post-class

"Behind the camera, when I am teaching, I plan to be neat, but I am usually under an avalanche of books! During a project, my desk gets very untidy as I leave all my tools within reach. But once the project is done, I bring it all back into order.”

For those of you who have been in one of Heather’s classes, you’ll know all about those piles of books!  Heather’s shelves are stuffed full of treasures and are envied by our students and tutors across the world.

Tea, Tools, and Three-Legged Assistants

Jack' favourite spot

Every artist needs an assistant, and, for Heather, that comes in the form of a very special visitor – Jack, a stray cat who adopted her after being abandoned in her neighbourhood.  A handsome little chap sitting quietly in the chair behind her during class, it is hard to believe that anyone could have left him behind.  Heather tells me, “He is a great source of comfort when I work long hours in the studio."

And what fuels those long hours? Well, it seems hard to believe given the delicacy of her work, but Heather loves to start the day with a coffee followed by “a strong mid-morning cup of tea”.  That being said, “afternoons are for a decaf latte" Heather confides.

A Few of Heather's Favourite Things

Favourite Colour:        Pink

Favourite materials: Pen and ink, watercolours, and an assortment of papers

Favourite Season:       Spring

Favourite Museum:    The Victoria and Albert (V&A)

Favourite Smell:           Spring rain

Favourite Art Shop:    Jackson’s Art Supplies

Favourite Book:            The Secret Garden by Frances Hodson Burnett

Favourite View:             Anytime the sunshine lights up a pathway on a walk

Silencing the Inner Critic

A beautiful example of Heather's work

Many of us struggle with the ‘fear of the blank page’, but Heather has a refreshingly simple take on it. "I start with a simple stroke of the pen and build from there. If something disastrous happens, there is always another chance, on another piece of paper."

Over the years, she’s found that the best way to quiet the inner critic isn't to fight it, but to ignore it. "I just focus on the work at hand and tune out all distractions. The critic seems to stay at bay when I’m in the zone."

Beyond the Studio

Even a master never stops learning. In her quiet times - before the studio work starts and late in the evening – Heather loves to work on her needle lace. “I pick up a needle and thread” every day, "it is both calming and challenging at the same time," she says.  A perfect example of how daily creativity provides a nourishment for the soul!

Beatrix Potter with Spot

I ask Heather who inspires her work and whose sketchbook she would most like to have a look through, “Honestly, there are too many for me to choose from.”  But she goes on to say, “I would love to peek over the shoulder of Beatrix Potter.” 

I can’t help but agree that would be lovely.  Who wouldn’t want the chance to watch “as she was working in one of her sketchbooks and then accompany her on her walk home for a cup of tea.”

When she isn't creating or teaching at Ardington, you’ll find Heather pottering in the garden feeding the squirrels and birds, trying out new recipes, or taking long walks - always looking for that next sunlit pathway.

Any Final Words of Wisdom?

"Remember, if something goes wrong, there is always another chance on another paper. Just start with a simple stroke."

Huge thanks go to Heather for giving up her time to share a little insight into the world behind the camera.  If you’d like to join Heather on an upcoming class, keep an eye out for Flourishing Club – a monthly Ardington get together for like-minded artists who want to create beautiful things together.