< Previous20 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY ARTISTIC LINCOLNSHIRE We look this month at the work of Dale Bowen, whose works are exhibited in numerous museums and can fetch upward of £100,000 in some cases. A rare talent D ale Bowen is not only an incredible man but one of those true rare talents in art. His superb draughtsmanship and skill allow him to explore every genre of art with nothing but the absolute best results. For the past decade, Dale has explored what he terms his ‘lollipop trees’ pieces with small deviations into other styles as the mood takes him. More recently, however, Dale’s style has changed and evolved into a whole new visual language. Alongside this illustrative style, Dale has also been delving deeper into his realist pieces, focusing on animals, and sailing pieces with a much looser, abstract style which focus more on colour and movement. 20-21.qxp_Layout 1 12/12/2022 14:21 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 21 ARTISTIC LINCOLNSHIRE THE LITTLE RED GALLERY Love art? Then we’d love to meet you, please call in for a cup of tea and a chat. The Little Red Gallery are feeling ‘Love’ with a fantastic range of pieces and perfect gift ideas. If you’d like to see Dale ’s work for yourself, head down to Lincoln’s Little Red Gallery 20-21.qxp_Layout 1 12/12/2022 14:21 Page 222 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY NEW YEAR, NEW YOU I t often happens that overloading yourself with goals like losing weight or career success only leads to stress. Instead, making a conscious decision to heal from all that compounded frustration may be all you need to feel happier and more fulfilled. Perhaps you’ve come across the idea of self-care, or perhaps not. It might be that finding time for yourself in your day, or even your week, sounds like more hassle than it’s worth. But building a self- care routine doesn’t have to mean learning to meditate, going to yoga classes and hour-long home spa sessions all at once. The most caring thing to do, and the easiest way to make a real change in your mental and physical health, is to pick one thing you feel a genuine interest in trying then sticking with it, taking the time even if that’s only a few minutes every day or so. If you’re still not sure where to begin, ask yourself what would make you happiest right now. Try not to think about five year plans or your long-term hustle. Take some quiet time to consider what would take a load off your mind in this moment. Grab a pen and any paper you have to hand and write down all your thoughts, if this is easier. Get all the struggles and worries out first, and soon you’ll likely find that your wishes come to the surface. The best part of doing this quick exercise is that once you start, you’ve already begun your self-care journey. It doesn’t take any more than regularly finding some time to sit and think or write about what’s difficult, what you’re grateful for, and what small things could make you happier. Don’t feel like you’re failing if your mind space seems all doom and gloom. Sitting with and acknowledging those feelings is just as important as finding inner bliss. In fact, accepting the negative brain chatter as just that - chatter you don’t have to get bogged down in - is often the first step on the journey to joy. From there, you can take any little wishes you dig up and put them into action. If you want more time for reflection, look into journaling or following some free online guided meditations. If you’d like to devote more energy to your hobbies, swap out social media or screen time for listening to music, reading or learning that new skill you’ve had a wistful eye on since last year or the year before. Look into any relevant clubs in your area and spend half an hour or so enjoying the company of like- minded people every week. If your life is hectic, all the more reason to ask a loved one to mind the house, kids or dog one evening while you recharge. Always having something to look forward to in the near future has a New Year, New You As the New Year arrives, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with thoughts of resolutions, the fear of failure rearing its head before you begin. If you experience something like this every year, then in 2023 perhaps make one of your resolutions taking care of yourself above all else. 22-25.qxp_Layout 1 12/12/2022 14:22 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 23 NEW YEAR, NEW YOU surprising impact on mood and mental health. During the Christmas comedown of January and the coldest time of the year, this is especially important in keeping your outlook bright. When your ‘you’ time is aligned with something that makes you truly happy, the effects in the long-term are nothing short of magical. Once you’re on your way tending to the mind, you can start taking care of your body, home and surroundings. It can only help to make what you see around you match the inner peace and balance you’re seeking. If exercise is going to be helpful as a positive outlet, rather than a chore, then by all means start there. But even here, take it easy on yourself. Increasing studies show that low-intensity exercise, like those aforementioned yoga sessions, can have just as many health benefits as feeling the burn at the gym. If you’re starting from ground zero with an exercise routine, opt for a gentler method, or better yet, combine it with gardening, cooking, or simply cycling or walking somewhere you already need to be. Where your garden’s concerned for 2023, a celebration of growth and life as we look forward to brighter days can go one of two ways. Throw yourself into planting beds fit for ready to cut 24 Á © stock.adobe.com/Maksym Povozniuk 22-25.qxp_Layout 1 12/12/2022 14:23 Page 224 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY NEW YEAR, NEW YOU bouquets, choosing blooms with long or strong stems like peonies, cosmos and sunflowers. Or go the path of least resistance and seed a wildflower meadow on your own doorstep, perfect for mindful relaxation while bee and butterfly watching come the summer. Whichever your preference, add in some leafy ground cover or insect-friendly plants, to keep our best pollinators happy while adding attractive layers of texture to your little slice of paradise. With regular exercise, self-care and garden oasis in check, it’s time to tidy, organise and redecorate the home for space and peace of mind. One ideal trend set for this year is the all-white kitchen. Especially beneficial in smaller spaces separated off from the living area, the airy simplicity of white surfaces softens edges for an expansive look. The lightness and meditative feel in turn creates the perfect room for combining mental wellbeing with all that cooking as exercise. To counteract a spacey kitchen area, sunset colours come in to balance the sometimes glaring nature of white, while maintaining a relaxing and therapeutic touch throughout the home. With a © stock.adobe.com/candy1812 spectrum ranging from soft pinks, blues and purples to radiant orange, there’s plenty of scope to contrast with bold colours, or blend seamlessly between rooms with pastel shades. Soft purples aren’t just for keeping indoors heading into the spring fashion season. Lilac has been the all-occasions shade since 2022 and seems ready to carry over well into 2023. Bring the sunset out into your everyday routine and evening celebrations; the stunning shade possibilities can run deeper purple for striking party dresses, or pale lavender for daytime tops, shirts and skirts made more gorgeous with lace or laser-cut detailing. Guys after a stylish new wardrobe to look and feel good through spring should look to tailoring as loose and stress-free as you please, as long as you stick to your usual size. More relaxed shapes to shirts, trousers and smart-casual wear will keep you ready for any move between office and working from home and feeling comfy on any occasion besides. Pair these pieces with a chunky shoe or boot to show that being chilled out about your look doesn’t stop you from meaning business. For anyone keeping up with your self-care at the same time, your mental health will be a perfect match with your cool fashion sense. © stock.adobe.com/sonyachny 22-25.qxp_Layout 1 12/12/2022 14:23 Page 35LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 25 NEW YEAR, NEW YOU Lincoln's one-stop shop for photographers Ideal for all levels of photography, keen amateurs and professionals alike, we have equipment galore at the Lincoln branch of the London Camera Exchange in Silver Street. Here you will find a select range of up- to-date compact cameras and mirrorless cameras, plus a selection of lenses in most fittings, together with binoculars, telescopes and associated accessories at competitive prices. As a Sony professional store, we have their latest photographic and vlogging equipment, from the Sony A6400 to their ultimate vlogging camera the Sony ZV-E10 along with their professional mirrorless cameras, A7R and A7 series. Shoppers enjoy a warm welcome from LCE’s expert team of helpful and knowledgeable staff who are always on hand to provide practical and useful advice and answer any technical questions. As a Canon Pro Centre and Nikon specialists, there are also premium brands such as OM Systems, Panasonic and Fujifilm available in store. Check out our online Christmas Tech Selector for gift ideas to suit all budgets. © stock.adobe.com/REDPIXEL 22-25.qxp_Layout 1 12/12/2022 14:23 Page 426 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY FASHION Revive your style As we enter a time celebrating new beginnings, why not refresh your closet too with some of our favourite new looks? 26-35.qxp_Layout 1 12/12/2022 14:24 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 27 FASHION Joe Browns With full coverage to keep the cold, winter wind away, this dress from Joe Browns is sure to help you stand out with its paisley print. 26-35.qxp_Layout 1 12/12/2022 14:24 Page 2FASHION Right: Fat Face With jumpers key in winter wardrobes, look out for those that make a fashionable appearance effortless. This piece from Fat Face is ideal, beautifully crafted with crochet sleeves and could be worn with trousers, skirts or layered over dresses. Below: Cotton Traders Cotton Traders presents a party dress that is stylish but also cosy and comfortable for those chilly nights. A slouchy cowl neck adds extra flair, and the dress can be easily paired with tights and ankle boots to complete the look. Bottom right: M&Co. Paired with leather trousers, this graceful, burgundy top from M&Co. provides a little extra sparkle to your nights out with sequins adorning the cuffs and v neck. Opposite: Crew Clothing Every closet should have a versatile outfit that can be pulled out for a plethora of occasions. This bright, floral shirt dress from Crew Clothing is perfect across dress codes. 26-35.qxp_Layout 1 12/12/2022 14:24 Page 3LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 29 FASHION 26-35.qxp_Layout 1 12/12/2022 14:24 Page 4Next >