Author: Liz Nicholls

Liz Nicholls

Longwick artist Mia Babb tells us about her journey, including recovery from a major health incident, ahead of a group show at Holy Trinity Church in Penn Street, 7th June to 15th June 

I‘ve always been creative. I loved doing an art foundation course at the (then) Wycombe College. However, I took a year out to earn a salary, and never returned to do my Fine Art degree, instead earning an Art History degree via the Open University. A work promotion and then having a family meant that art took a back seat. 

That all changed suddenly when surgery to remove a brain tumour caused a stroke. Three weeks in the ICU was followed by a year of recovery and then, the week I was due to return to work, Covid hit and I had to homeschool my two young sons! After 18 months I was made redundant.  

I had begun to do detailed pen & ink drawings to retrain my hand which had been temporarily paralysed by the stroke. I entered a local art show and was lucky enough to sell a couple of pieces – I was hooked! I wanted to have limited editions to sell and, after failing to find a suitable local printer, I had the idea to start my own printing company, Babbabing, Fine Art Printing. I do giclée printing using images provided by the artist or I offer a service where I photograph and colour match the artwork.  

I also do greeting cards and have started gift printing on mugs, coasters etc. As an artist I find it is good to have lower-cost items for people who love your art but who can’t afford an original or don’t have much wall space. It is a good way of making the most of the art you’ve put so much care and attention into. 

I love trying different media, learning new processes but I always return to my favourite: pen & ink, usually finished with gold leaf. I like to capture the fine detail; normally of animals but currently buildings have caught my attention, especially churches. I occasionally draw skulls, human or animal, because the structure fascinates me. One of my earlier skull paintings is called Be Happy (above) because my experience has taught me you never know what may be around the corner, so make the most of it! I also do commissions in pastel or watercolour of pets – I love trying to capture an animal’s personality but find it nerve-wracking showing the result to the owner! 

I’ve lived in Longwick for over 20 years and consider it my forever home. We have lovely neighbours and my children went to the local primary which I’m still connected with. I’m part of the wonderful team who organise the Longwick Art Show, the show I first displayed in, which raises money for the school. We’re lucky to have some good shops in Princes Risborough including Cymbaline and Kado for gifts, K&B the butchers and Godwins the bakery plus Dukes Wine Bar. I also have to mention Sally Evans who runs Artist & Makers Fairs which I exhibit at several times a year – always a good mix of mediums and styles. 

I can’t wait to be part of the fantastic art display at Trinity Church, organised by Jules and Caroline of Where Inspiration Blooms!