Alison Summerfield meets Mervyn Jackman, owner of Jackman Fabric Care and assistant pastor at his local church, who’s favourite work of art is ‘The Rolling Wave’ by Lynda Kettle.

When you next walk along the beach in your thermals you might just spy Mervyn in the briny because not a day goes by when Mervyn doesn’t have a daily, or twice daily swim between cleaning carpets and upholstery around East Devon.

Mervyn is convinced swimming has health benefits and so disregarding the initial advice from his doctor when first diagnosed with myeloma leukaemia, Mervyn believes swimming has in part, contributed to his surviving the serious blood disorder by boosting his immune system and positive mental attitude.

As if testament to this, Mervyn was recently given the ‘all clear’ and his doctor now jests that he might prescribe a daily swim to all his patients.

It’s no surprise that Mervyn was instantly drawn to Lynda’s dramatic painting, “I know all too well how it feels to be caught up in the vortex of such a vast wave and be ‘hurled around as if in a washing machine,” he says.

The energy emanating from this canvas is almost tangible, reflecting the power of God’s nature. Mervyn draws analogies relating the sea to life and faith; “Just as actual stormy seas can seem to over power us, or it can feel that way when we are in the midst of chaos and darkness, God is always with us, and the key is learning to surf through the waves relying on God’s help until calm waters return.”

The sea is Lynda’s favourite subject to paint and her desire to live near the sea instigated a move from Birmingham to Tipton St John with her husband Stephen three years ago.

Lynda rents ‘Loft Studio’ in Libra Court, Sidmouth. She said: “It’s here that I paint for gallery exhibitions with the added bonus of visitors coming to watch me paint. Through this I have made many artist friends and am currently Chair of Sidmouth Society of Artists and often do demonstrations for Art Societies.”

Formerly a production designer for the BBC, Lynda worked on ‘Howard’s Way’, a programme that was all about boats and the sea. It was during this time Lynda learnt to sail and acquired a great respect for the sea; “Whether calm or very rough conditions, the sea inspires me to paint all its moods”.

As well as oil Lynda uses pastel, watercolour and acrylic, her style evolving from her love of theatre and design.

“I am delighted that Mervyn has chosen this painting she smiles, “Like me, he shares a love of the sea, both the serene and spectacular crashing waves”.

If you can’t get down to the seas again, you might well consider owning one of Lynda’s large sea paintings as the next best thing!

And when your carpets or sofas require a deep clean then contact Mervyn on 01395 272428 info@jackmanfabriccare.com or alternatively you might just intercept him on the beach.

THE ROLLING WAVE oil on canvas 30” x 30”

To visit www.lynda-kettle.com, click here.

To visit www.alisonsummerfied.com, click here.

To read more features from East Devon Resident, click here.