Anita Morrison

Anita Morrison (nae Woods) was born in 84. Her affinity with horses goes back to pre school where they had a rocking horse, who she rode from arriving till home time. When she could hold a pencil she drew horses, when she could tie knots she tied teddies to the family dogs back and show jumped in the garden. When she could get her daddy round her little finger she got a pony! And so the fascination really began. Her artistic abilities developed early also when she won her first prestigious art competition at the age of 6 in all of Northern Ireland. An A* in GCSE Art and A levels and then got her degree in Art and Design at the University of Ulster in Belfast. After a sold out Graduation show she received the UTV Graduation Award and her art work did a tour of Galleries throughout Ireland. Her work has also been on TV, calendars and in many galleries and office buildings along side many private commissions as far as Portugal.

'Being an artist and painting nature was inevitable. Growing up in the beautiful country side and spending all my time with a wide range of animals had such a strong influence on me and really developed my sensitivity to the unspoken language that is all around us'.

Over the years she has worked in several mediums and has gradually developed the distinctive style we see today in her batik work. She also creates objects for the home with a primitive rustic flavour.

'I've had many periods of personal growth that can be attributed to life experiences and interactions with my animals. Seeing them on a daily basis, interacting together and with me, has been challenging and enlightening all at once. You can watch them again and again and every time something new is revealed. You would think the more you see some thing the appeal would dull but in fact the opposite happens to me with horses. They are truly fascinating and the best of teachers'.

Currently living the dream in Co Down NI with husband Nigel, daughter Emily and ever expanding furry family of horses, dogs and cats.