Reporter DAVE TILLEY finds out what inspires one up and coming artist to put brush to canvas.

Arles inspired Van Gogh, Tahiti did the trick for Gauguin, now Morden is perhaps the less likely source of creative influence for an aspiring Zimbabwean artist from North Cheam.

Nicolle Menegaldo has been at work in the calming, tranquil surrounds of her studio gallery in Morden Hall Park for six months, having discovered it quite by chance.

"I was desperate to get a studio," she said.

"I was working in my garage in North Cheam, which was far from ideal, and then I just happened to notice this place one day when I was driving past.

"I went in and asked if there where any studios available and six months later I got the call and moved in."

Nicolle, a graduate in art from Bucks College, High Wycombe, specialises in a refreshing take on landscape painting which combines colour with abstract concepts.

"I studied ceramics at college but when I started this workshop, I wasn't allowed to have kilns where I am now. But I always wanted to concentrate on painting, I had worked a lot in 2D on ceramic clay.

"It always has been quite a passion of mine," she said.

The 29-year-old artist described the thinking behind her work.

"I really love nature. I'm quite inspired by landscapes but what I'm doing at the moment is an abstract theme of taking the landscapes and concentrating on one aspect, either light, or subject or colour, because it's so close to nature," she said.

The results are stunning, vibrant, evocative pieces, full of warmth and passion, especially one image of light cascading through a window.

The growing crisis in her native country has inspired Nicolle to protest against Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe and consider becoming more political in her work.

"I have a lot of family in southern Africa, I've got connections here, there and everywhere," said Nicole.

"I know very well what's going on there and I just wish that the rest of the world could do something about it, no-one seems to be listening.

"I would like my art to put the message across. I was thinking I would like some how to incorporate that into my work."

While she takes her inspiration from the environment, Nicolle does admire other artists' work, included mainstay of the modern art movement Andy Goldsworthy, although she's not too keen on that other icon of the Brit art scene Tracey Emin.

"I don't know if I'm really influenced by anyone in particular because I try to have my own style.

"I like the old masters and I really admire Andy Goldsworthy, he's one of my heroes. He works with nature and puts it together in a new way," said Nicolle.

"Tracey Emin's work is not the kind of work I'm interested in. I'm sure it has some worth but it has no worth in terms of skill and aesthetic.

"For me art is about beauty. Not all art is beautiful but that's the art that inspires me."

Other creative forces are also at work in the beautiful surroundings of the National Trust-owned park, the centre of creativity in the town with a number of craftsmen in workshops and studios.

"It's a beautiful location. People are welcome to come in and take a look at my work, it is a public workshop."

Nicolle admits it can be difficult making her chosen profession pay, but she is determined.

"I want to get an agent and take it from there. My real long term aim is to get a little farm somewhere," she added.

The world will soon be seeing more of Nicolle's work with shows in Streatham and Battersea's Paperleaf Art Fair and possibly a stall at Chelsea Farmers' Market.

Maybe renowned modern art fan, Charles Saatchi, will soon come calling.

November 30, 2001 09:30