We are very excited to introduce our latest host, professional artist Gabriel Knollys who will be hosting Good Company sessions at her home and studio.
If you enjoy being creative and painting, then a Good Company session with Gabriel will be a real treat! A self-taught artist, Gabriel has run workshops for many years and is now fully vetted and trained Good Company Host and ready to welcome older adult guests for a day of Good Company, lunch and colour. She picks up her guests in the morning and drops them home again in the afternoon, so it really is an exciting day away from the norm.
"I come from a large family. I have four sisters, four brothers, and 32 nieces and nephews! It's that sense of family and community support that attracted me to becoming a Good Company Host. I love getting to know people and focussing on an activity such as painting or, working with clay is a lovely way to come together and chat. It's not always about creating an artistic masterpiece - I like to turn my hand to anything creative. Be it pottery, making things or baking things. I run sessions for enthusiasts of all levels in the studio next to our house. Everyone leaves feeling calm and uplifted, having spent time trying a new technique or exploring an idea.
I also love gardening and my latest project is making a medicinal herb garden. Having studied physiology and pharmacology at university, I am fascinated by how our bodies work. In the summer my family and I love heading to the beach for some kite flying and swimming. We also swim in the lakes and rivers near our house. I used to play the piano a lot when I was younger, and I am pleased to say I can still pick up a tune."
What does a Good Company session look like with Gabriel?
"I love getting to know people through common interests, whether it's planting herbs for using in the kitchen, heading to the local cafes or exploring a new artistic technique. My open plan kitchen is light and airy and it's the perfect place to have a play with some of my painting supplies. Good Company sessions often include something creative.
I live just ten minutes from Wadhurst, where there are some lovely shops and cafes to visit with my guests. I am lucky that I have beautiful countryside walks on my doorstep too. Mealtimes are an important part of our family life, and I like to prepare sharing dishes. In the autumn we often pick apples from the trees in the garden to make apple crumble. Delicious!”
Quick Fire Questions
Who’s at home?: My husband Mike, our four daughters Lettie (12), Amelia (17), Lara (19), and Gigi (20), our dog, Suscoff and cat, Tulula.
Hobbies and Interests: Art! I also enjoy gardening, piano, and crosswords...even the cryptic ones!
How would you describe yourself: Creative, chatty, friendly, calm and enthusiastic about trying new things.
What’s your favourite cake?: "Coffee and walnut, but my daughters make a lovely lemon drizzle"
Please get in contact if you would like to spend some time in the studio with Gabriel. Email felicity@thegoodcompanypeople.org or call 07472 564519