LINDA EDWARDS, England

A self-taught artist, I was born in Zimbabwe in southern Africa, and grew up in the North East of England. Curious about the world, I was one of the first women to study geography at Sidney Sussex College in Cambridge’s 400-year history. I subsequently lived in Europe and Kenya. I turned my passion into a career as an illustrator, bringing to life myths and folktales from around the world. My paintings reflect these life experiences, and my concern for the fragility of our planet—no doubt explaining my focus on the garden and its inhabitants. My personal style also reflects my fascination with the illustrated manuscripts of medieval and Renaissance Europe, Persia, and Mughal India. I’m spellbound with the ability of gold to literally illuminate a piece, and use it in great abundance.