Victoria Carr

I was fortunate to have a wonderful childhood in the county of Rutland. The freedom to explore the fields and woods outdoors instilled an enduring love of the local countryside and its wildlife.

I started painting in oils after I gained an A' level in art at Oakham School and submitted a self portrait to a student exhibition. I went on to study Linguistics and International Relations at the University of Surrey and pursued a career in employee benefits consultancy, then later the care sector. Painting remained my favourite pastime, in particular the challenge of capturing the likeness of a subject .

After returning to Rutland to start a family in 1992, I also discovered pyrography and relief carving which led to a similar long and rewarding process of experimentation and learning. The natural grain and texture of wood seemed to lend itself perfectly to portraits of wildlife, and I successfully sold these at craft fairs and local exhibitions. I also began to take commissions for oil portraits.

I gained some recognition locally and regular commissions until 2013, when events in my life forced me to put my art completely to one side. Sadly, this was followed by a series of sudden traumatic family bereavements – turning my world upside down. However, thanks to regular walks in nature, making art, and the support of family and friends, I am now finally able to concentrate solely on my creative journey, working in my small cabin studio near Rutland Water.​