Mandy was born and raised in the Tamar Valley, at Morwellham Quay -an idyllic corner of the Devon countryside where her imagination was left to run wild with the birds, insects and wildlife that made it their home.

She reminisced: “Thinking back, it was a pretty idyllic childhood. We were free, out all day in nature, along the banks of the Tamar; up playing in the woods, which are now the Tamar Trails, and amongst the remains of our mining past.”

Mandy’s career as a printmaker began around ten years ago when, after falling ill, she found herself virtually housebound and itching to get her hands on something creative to distract herself from her illness.

“Printmaking was a journey of learning, of trial and error,” she continued. “I find my printmaking process to be a journey too; the designing, the carving of the Lino, the inking and printing, and the final outcome.”

Mandy has now adopted Cornwall as her home - not an easy decision for a Devon maid, but one that has paid off in more ways than she could have imagined. Home is one of her main sources of inspiration. The stories told in the ink, in every carving and etching of her prints, are connected to the scenery she holds dear, and to the precious wildlife and plants that thrive here. For Mandy, and for those whose eyes widen and hearts sing at the sight of her art, each piece is a reminder of home, moments of nostalgia, and the power of curiosity and exploration.

She continued: “How could I not be inspired by living in Cornwall, with its varied landscapes, the sea and the rugged moors? I love the remains of our mining heritage dotted about the landscape, which I think has stayed with me since my childhood. I am very interested in prehistoric sites and monuments, and exploring their relationship with our landscape of today.

“I also take inspiration from treasured memories of days well spent, of places that I probably won’t ever get to revisit due to illness.”

As spring takes hold of the countryside, there’s a sense of renewal in the air - something that grips Mandy as she prepares to make more art: “After the dark days of winter, the first glimpse of spring flowers coming through is such a delight! The daffs, snowdrops and crocuses; the evenings start pulling out, and your mood is lifted with the promise of warmer days that are just around the corner. It’s like a fresh start, new beginnings of endless opportunities for us all.”

You can find Mandy’s art in a permanent display at Zebediah’s Art and Craft Collective on Church Street, where there are lino prints and cards for sale. She also exhibits locally with Drawn to the Valley, and sells pieces on her Etsy shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/mandyfreeguardprints

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