AN ARTIST has spoken about how moving to West Kirby helped make her dreams a reality.

Steph Aldwinckle moved from London to Wirral at the end of 2019 after she was convinced that a beachside location would offer her family a better quality of life.

However, when she decided to make the move in 2020 Steph never predicted the year it would become.

Steph told the Globe: “Although it didn’t turn out to be quite how we imagined I couldn’t have timed the relocation any better. I’m so glad we moved when we did.”

Having graduated in illustration and animation several years ago, Steph’s interest in art goes back to her youth but as an adult, her career took a different path and painting became a hobby rather than her vocation. So, at the start of lockdown, when everyone else seemed to be picking a paintbrush for the first time, Steph was too busy picking up after her two young children to think about creating new art.

She said: “I was too busy focusing on my children. They were my priority I didn’t really think about my painting.”

It wasn’t until 2021 when schools reopened that Steph found the time to start new compositions and she only had to look out of her window for inspiration.

She said: “The views from across the peninsula and over the to the dramatic Welsh hills are what many artists dream of.

“The ever-changing weather and light across the landscape as something I never tire of painting.”

When asked about whether she’d considered having a home studio before the move Steph said: “It was initially about finding good schools, being closer to the coast and extended family.

“But when I looked out of the windows of our home it seemed the perfect view.”

Despite having a continual source of inspiration on her doorstep, in 2021 Steph still didn’t consider her art as anything more than a pastime.

She said: “Things changed when someone visited my house and asked where I got my paintings from. I told them I had made them and that prompted by first commission.”

Two years on and Steph is a full-time artist who is selling work globally. Steph is about to embark on a collaborative exhibition to mark Earth Day in the Arts Bar on Hope Street in Liverpool.

Steph said: “I’ve been really lucky, I know some people struggle for years to practice art full-time, so I’m really grateful for how things have worked out.

“The move from London has been undoubtedly positive. Being in London meant a trip to the coast was a full day drip consisting of mostly travel but now we’re in West Kirby the kids can go to the beach every day. It’s changed the lives of me and my entire family in an important way.”

The Earth Day event, curated by Laura McCann, which also features works by Lena and the Sea, Suzanne Grace and Andreea Mate, celebrates art that is informed by the natural world and will be held at Arts Bar Hope Street. The launch evening is on Thursday 20 April 6pm-9pm, followed by the full exhibition Friday 21- Sunday 23 12pm- 5pm.