about

Hello, welcome to Mostly Motley.

I’m Ann Pawley, an English artist, inspired by the countryside, the changing seasons and Britain’s old places.

Although I’ve been around for some years, mainly blogging and showing my stitched artwork, the last couple of years have seen some changes, and it felt like the right time to spruce up this website, to reflect what I’m currently doing.

If you’ve known me for a while, I hope it will still be interesting for you and if you’re finding me for the first time, I hope to give you a short introduction.

A Brief Background

Way back, I was what you’d describe as an arty child. I drew all the time, (on anything!) and it was no surprise that art was always my most successful subject at school. But as with so many, I was persuaded to regard it as a hobby in favour of having a proper career. And that’s exactly what I did. But it turns out the urge to make art may slumber, it may lie dormant for a long time, but eventually, it surges up and demands to be acted on.

Stitched art had always been a special favourite, so initially, I concentrated on slow-stitch, needlepoint and stitched tapestries. I loved the process – I still do – it’s the most meditative and soothing activity I know. I’m really happy with the stitched artwork I’ve created and I do still stitch for my own pleasure, but a couple of years ago, I felt the need to pick up a paint brush again, for the first time since I was a teenager.

Since then, I’ve really been on a creative rollercoaster ride and that’s also coincided with changes in my use of social media and blogging. Having been quite involved in using Instagram and Twitter, I lost all enthusiasm for both platforms, and I lost my blogging mojo. I didn’t know what to say any more.

Instead, I’ve just spent all my creative time developing a mixed media practice. It gives me so much joy (and not infrequent pain too), I feel like a child again. I approach everything as play and somehow that feels just right.

And then, a couple of months ago, I began to feel the nudge to come back online. So, here I am, gradually finding my feel once more.

While I was away, I dipped my toes into Substack – which despite some reservations, I do rather like. If you want to find me there, I am WhereTheCrowFlies. I’m intending to use that platform for my newsletters and most blog posts, so if you feel inclined, please subscribe over on Substack (it’s free!).

I’ve also created an account on Bluesky (which is like Twitter when it was a cosy place to be). There I’m Ann Pawley (@mostlymotley.bsky.social).

And I started a new Instagram account @a_mingled_yarn

I have to admit to being a very flaky poster, so don’t expect to be inundated with content if you choose to find me in any of these locations, but I do hope that you’ll say hello if you are around in these places.

I’m enjoying making mixed media artwork so much these days and much of the work I make just sits on the shelf behind my desk after it’s finished, so one of the things I’m hoping to do here and via the other platforms, is to show what I’ve been making and offer it to anyone who feels a connection.

I don’t have a fixed plan, but I’m thinking in terms of a pay what you like, or pay what you can exchange. I’d be delighted to think that any of my work was being enjoyed by someone else, and if it helps keep me in Titanium White or Matte Medium, then we’d both be happy.

So watch this space (or Substack, Bluesky or Instagram).

Thanks for coming along on the ride.

Anny x