What do you most value about the area/street you live in?
The warmth and abundant creativity. My studio is in Canvas & Cream studios. My neighbours there and on Havelock Walk are an exceptional bunch of talented and brilliant artists. Our open studios in May and December are amazing!
What one thing would you change?
More affordable artist studios.
What’s the one thing you couldn’t do without?
Trees! I try to hug one tree a day.
Do you know your neighbours?
I do! They are very patient as I lose my house keys at least once a week and rely on them for my spare set. Big shout out to Ann!
Do you belong to any groups?
No, but I do belong to that wonderful, crazy group of people who swim outside all year round at Brockwell Lido.
There you will find me and my friends, Nic and Nat, laughing, teeth-chattering and talking nonsense.
Where is your favourite place to eat?
I LOVE food. The Masala beans at Oru Space are incredible. Try the cardamom bun from Soderberg with a strong black coffee. Christopher’s in Herne Hill makes the best baguettes. The kids love the toasties from Norris and Knight. Hausu in Peckham for somewhere special.
The best meal I’ve ever had..
My favourite meals are usually at home with the kids when no one has argued for at least 30 minutes…
The best kept secret…
Hayaku in Penge make the best sushi in London.
Where’s your favourite place to walk?
My dog Dolly is full of energy, so you will find us most mornings taking a long walk around Peckham Rye and One Tree Hill.
At this time of year, the low winter morning sun creates these long tree shadows, which are very beautiful. We like to sit under the old oak tree at the top of the hill and look at them for a bit before a day in the studio beckons.
When I want to relax…
I go to Ruskin Park Community Sauna. It is especially lovely in the evening with the fairy lights. I arrive feeling pretty heavy-headed but leave lighter and more centred and almost giddy with joy!
What is your favourite shop?
Chener bookshop for books. Roullier White for perfume. Moxon’s for fish. Everyman Cinema for film. I think that covers all the essentials?!?
The book I’m reading at the moment..
‘Modern Nature’ by Derek Jarman. For the third time.
Serena Rowe is an artist. She holds regular painting workshops at The Lovely Gallery in Sydenham and her most recent solo show was at 155A Gallery in East Dulwich.
This article first appeared in the February issues of SE22 and SE23.