A young artist’s work is being showcased on home turf in her first solo exhibition, held at Royston & District Museum and Art Gallery.

Jessica Cowsley lived on the Jackmans estate in Letchworth until she was 15, and went to Lannock and Highfield schools.

She moved to Sandon with her dad and step-mum, before moving in with her grandparents in Royston last year.

The 21-year-old told the Crow: “I have been drawing for as long as I can remember, my family and teachers spotted my talent before I did - and where I’ve lived has definitely helped shape my work.

She said: “Moving to Royston was lovely, everyone was so friendly and relaxed.

“I go to Therfield Heath – I love being able to get close to nature and pick up natural objects, as my work is about nature and natural world.

“Being able to be hands on and experience nature in its present form is helpful to contextualise my process. I started in a very urban area on the Jackmans – so nature wasn’t always there.

“But landscape is a human invention we’ve created to suit us. I feel I do have an affinity to nature and am attracted to breaking boundaries, and seeing what’s beyond.”

Jessica uses oils, water colours, acryclics, ceramics, pastels and pencils in her artwork, and is currently in the second year of a fine art painting and drawing degree at the University of Northampton.

And in terms of what she hopes to do after her course, Jessica said she’d like to continue as an artist and travel further afield.

She said: “North Hertfordshire gives you beauty of nature, but not power or fragility –which other areas like the highlands or Outer Hebridies would give so I would love to do more out there. An artist never stops developing so I don’t know what’s in store.

“I’d also like to be able to work with young children with or without disabilities to help them express themselves through art.”

Royston’s museum and gallery is hosting the free exhibition, and Jessica said: “The museum have been very supportive. It’a been amazing to be able to get my work on show.

“I remember being younger and going to the museum for crafts as a child, so now it’s gone full circle.”

You can view Jessica’s work every Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday, between 10am and 4.45pm, until March 10. See roystonmuseum.org.uk for more information.