A Closer Look on the Virtual Trail: Vikki Yeates

In the run up to the Combe Down Virtual Art Trail 2020, we'll be taking a closer look at the artists taking part. Remember, you can join us via our Facebook page on  Saturday 12th September, 10am - 5pm to see the exclusive artwork Combe Down artists will be exhibiting and selling. It's set to be an art trail to remember! 

First up on our tour is illustrator Vikki Yeates

Q1. Hello, Vikki! How much are you looking forward to the Combe Down Virtual Art Trail?
I'm really looking forward to it! I have been very productive during lockdown, painting mostly hares (I've painted about 18 this year!), but also dogs and some gothic illustrations of ghost stories/poetry. I  can't wait to show everyone what I've been doing!
Q2. You've taken part in the last two Combe Down Art Trails. What is it about art trails you enjoy?
I love meeting and chatting to people on the Art Trail days and seeing their reactions to my artwork. It's a lot of hard work preparing for it, especially as I am in my own home and I need to make it as tidy as possible - but it's worth it on the day. I also take part in the Widcombe Art Trail, but I feel more directly responsible for how successful the Combe Down Art Trail is, as I'm on the committee and also because I live here.
Q3. How do you think the move online this year (owing to the restrictions of the current pandemic) will affect the trail?
It was a difficult decision for the committee to take, to not run the art trail in the village this year. However, I think moving it online will be a great challenge and hopefully allow the community to safely come together to appreciate art and local artists. We hope people will leave messages and comments so that there's the same exuberance and bustle that we have had in previous years.
Q4. And finally, what do you plan on exhibiting in the Combe Down Virtual Art Trail 2020 on Saturday 12th September?
I have two new Hare collections: 'A Rainbow Sequence of Hares' and '10 Names of the Hare', as well as some other paintings that I made during lockdown. I have some new drawings of animals  and some black and white scraperboard illustrations. There will be prints and cards available to buy; I also have lots of jewellery and bead creations that I will try to get round to showing, if I have time!