Hello, I am Sedem (both e's pronounced as in 'egg'), a mixed media artist and illustrator based in Aberdeen, North East of Scotland.
Alongside my creative practice, I continue to work with children aged three to five as I originally studied psychology and hold a MSc in developmental psychology.
Not long after moving to Scotland more than nine years ago now, I began drawing, feeling as though the colours around me were calling to make marks on a paper with narratives shaping them.
To pursue this, I have finished the picture book illustration course with Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration with Claire Alexander as well as Leith School of Art summer school for silent picture books, observation to illustration and making concertina books. I am currently doing a mentorship with Harriet Hobday at Leith School of Art to take my creative practise further.
For me, drawing is not only a creative expression but also a mindful activity, one that has been proven to reduce stress and anxiety. Nature is the main source of my inspiration, deeply influencing both my process and subject matter. Trying to work primarily on location, I continue to fill my sketchbooks with observational studies and visual notes where I later develop these into finished mixed media artworks in her studio, often adding whimsical narratives and novelty features that bring her landscapes and inspirations from nature to life.
Though a blank page can be daunting, sketchbooks are a safe space to experiment and put marks on a page. No one but you has to see it, so why fear what marks you do.
I share my process, materials I use and how I use them, my adventures on drawing outside on my Patreon.
I love collaborating on creative projects and working with publishers, editors, and fellow storytellers to bring new ideas to life.
If you’d like to work together, please get in touch!
