5 Ways To Well with Louise Le Pelley

Local Artist Lou, known for her paintings of Guernsey pubs and her work with Guernsey Arts, shares her wellness essentials.

 

 

1.  Keeping Things Creative

As an artist, creativity is my favourite way to unwind. Mixing colours, browsing art shops and spending time with beautiful paints all help me slow down and reset. Alongside my love of painting buildings, I enjoy writing, doodling and regularly journal. I like to keep a stack of books nearby too, so there’s always an exciting story ready to be discovered when inspiration is falling flat! 

 

2.  Du Bruit Dans La Cuisine

With family roots in Rouen, a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, an appreciation for l’art de la table has always been part of my life. I love cooking with seasonal ingredients and find that sharing food with family and friends is one of the best ways to reconnect. When the evenings draw in? A family raclette night usually solves everything. 

 

3.  Sequins, Sparkles and Sustainability

Self-care takes many forms, and mine often involves lashings of eyeliner, glitter, silky scarves, the occasional beret and heaps of faux fur! Sometimes a swipe of shimmer really is all it takes to lift my mood. However, I think it’s very important to shop cruelty free and to support smaller businesses and creatives. I like to know that I am shopping from sustainable clothing brands, giving vintage a new life and supporting creatives who offer up something one of a kind. 

 

4.  Looking for Glimmers 

It’s always good to have a glimmer in your diary - and by that I mean something to look forward to! I love to travel and will always make time to catch a musical theatre show, exhibition or pub façade when visiting a new city. My favourites recently have been Jenny Saville at the National Portrait Gallery and Marie Antoinette at the V&A.

I take my sketchbook everywhere to capture compositions of interesting bars and pubs that I see! When it comes to Spring and Summer, you’ll sometimes find me behind the scenes at festivals, painting a sign or helping bring creative ideas to life. A Summer in Guernsey and our amazing festival scene is always full of glimmers! 

 

5.  Giving Back

Guernsey’s creative community is full of heart, with brilliant groups for all ages and abilities. Sarnia Arts and Crafts and the St Peter Port Sketch Club are just two that spring to mind. I’ve loved trying new things over the years, from soul choir and sketching with friends to salsa classes.

More recently, I’ve been increasingly focused on volunteering. Supporting the Eisteddfod and the Guernsey Art Network alongside other volunteers has taught me so much, and working with Guernsey Arts means I get to champion our island’s creatives every day, something that truly means the world to me. If you’re looking to give your time, Volunteers.gg is a wonderful place to begin.