MY FAVOURITE VIEW
Dee Hardwicke, artist, designer and knitter
When Monmouthshire’s Sugar Loaf mountain comes into view, Dee Hardwicke knows she’s almost home
I’m incredibly lucky to see my favourite view virtually every day as it’s on the drive between my home in Crickhowell and my studio in Monmouth.
I particularly love seeing it when I’m homeward bound after a creative and fulfilling day in the studio. As soon as I look to my right and see Sugar Loaf – one of the peaks in the Black Mountains – with the Brecon Beacons straight ahead, I feel as if I’m being welcomed home. My husband, Richard, and I travel to and from Monmouth together so it’s very special to be able to share the view with him. We sometimes go walking on the mountain at weekends and it’s amazing to have such a different perspective on the landscape when we’re suddenly part of our favourite view!
Sugar Loaf really stands out from the surrounding landscape because it’s such a distinctive shape.
It always reminds me of Mount Fuji in Japan, and when it’s only just emerging from a swirling winter mist it looks very much like something from a Hokusai print. I love watching the ever-changing patterns of the shadows cast by the clouds.
The view of Sugar Loaf and the beautiful Usk Valley winding around it inspires and enriches me every day.
The landscape is so familiar to me, and yet still surprises me because it’s constantly, albeit subtly, changing. Even thinking about the view makes me realise how it fills my heart. It’s such a reminder that while it’s exciting to explore and experience new places, it’s also very special to come home to such spectacular countryside.
Even when the weather’s at its most wild and wintry, Sugar Loaf somehow exudes a reassuring sense of calm.
It still looks beautiful even on the greyest of days when it forms a dramatic, almost sculptural outline. As winter really takes hold, I’m always thrilled to see the snow-topped summit sparkling against a brilliant blue sky – it’s such a magical sight.
I’m a big fan of pulling on lots of layers and heading off into the countryside whatever the weather
– which is possibly why my knitwear designs tend to include plenty of sweaters and scarves! I’m particularly inspired by the glorious array of colours that you can find in the landscape on the cusp of the seasons. There’s a little wood on the southern side of Sugar Loaf called St Mary’s Vale and I love to sit and sketch there. In late autumn and early winter, drifts of fallen leaves pile up underneath the enchantingly gnarled oak trees, and the wood feels like something out of a fairy tale. It’s a perfect place to indulge in a spot of daydreaming while I’m bundled up in several sweaters and a scarf, contentedly sketching the beautiful countryside all around me.
SEE DEE HARDWICKE’S DESIGNS AND SHOP YOUR FAVOURITES AT DEEHARDWICKE.CO.UK.