UK Handmade is immensely proud to introduce two fabulous fresh UK talents Pat Bullen-Whatling and Helen Meer.

Pat Bullen-Whatling is an English painter, sculptor and digital artist based in Wales. She recently graduated with a Fine Art Degree (Hons) from Trinity University College, Carmarthen. Sabrina of UK Handmade spoke to Pat to find out a little bit more about the woman behind the art.

You've just finished a degree as a mature student. What advice would you give to those thinking of doing the same?

Studying for a degree has been extremely hard (harder than I imagined – and I imagined it would be VERY hard!) but it has also been a hugely rewarding experience. It has often been difficult trying to run a house at the same time but the only way to do it is to be truly dedicated to your art – and it helps a lot if you also have a supportive husband and family.

The course itself has been immeasurably helpful and I now look at my art (and Art and The World in general) in a very different way – it has broadened my horizons until I see way beyond the horizons I originally imagined.

I have learned new skills, techniques and actual ways of thinking, and now realise that there is much more to art than I first thought – that it sometimes whispers when, at first, you think it is just shouting.

Your work is very focused on nature, what concepts and messages do you hope to convey?

I want people (and I include children) to really look at nature, at things we take for granted and mostly hardly glance at, for example, lichens, tree bark and fungi. To really look at the small and the beautiful; the colours, the interesting patterns and patterns of formation, show us the things that ARE nature. The greatest things on Earth have evolved from, or grown from, some of the smallest, but they come together to form a landscape and that fascinates me too.

And remember, painting and sculpture (like Nature itself) doesn't always have to be serious, it can be fun. I love experimenting with different materials, producing the effect I want from almost anything and manipulating it in unusual ways. I would encourage anyone to look at art like this (at life like this) especially children.

We are thrilled to hear that you have successfully secured a commission from the National Trust - we can’t think of an organisation better suited to your work, can you tell us how it came about?

At university my 'Creative Project' was based on zooming in on particular things in nature – and of different ways to focus the viewer's gaze into the landscape. I spent much of my second year carrying a small, cut log (found in the woods at Dinefwr Park, Llandeilo) which had a small hole rotted through the centre (like a natural telescope

– or microscope) along with a camera. Using this I began to take photographs of the landscape – highlighting certain aspects – aspects the average viewer might not always focus upon.

I decided to develop this 'focussing' effect further by making a small circle (approximately 12” or 30cm across) out of loosely woven twigs and carried this, in the same way as the log, on my walks. Like the log this twig circle was used to frame various views – to 'focus' the view.

Seeing the results I decided I would like to construct a larger circle (approximately 6' or 2 metres diameter) woven out of willow. Of course, I needed a venue, somewhere to place it, and as Dinefwr Park in Llandeilo had been my main place of inspiration I contacted them to see if it might be possible.

Their Learning and Community Officer met with me and immediately shared my enthusiasm and (after several more planning meetings) we are now at the stage where the event is to take place from the 13th to the 26th August, 2009. I will also be running a workshop for children on the 20th August where they will be able to make their own 'mini-Celtic circles'.

As well as the 'Celtic Circle' in the grounds and the children's workshop I will also be hosting a display in the main house (Newton House) as well as in one of the specially opened tower rooms and holding a 'One Woman Exhibition' of my work in their large and ancient barn, known as The Old Laundry.

What advice would you give to artists hoping to secure similarly impressive commissions?

Do research to find suitable businesses or locations relevant to your own work. Don't be afraid to ask for anything but, equally, don't be discouraged or upset if the answer is no. Be pleasant, be passionate but be considerate. You are offering something but you are asking for something too. It is a partnership – look at it that way. If you think you have a good idea 'go for it' – the person you are speaking to might just be delighted!