This project was born out of love and admiration and just a tiny bit of idealism. I've been criss-crossing the British Isles on foot, on a bicycle, by train, bus and boat for almost six years. Embracing their natural beauty, I also came to appreciate the pride people here take in their roots. My experiences in the great British outdoors — from manicured gardens to the wilderness and farmers markets — inspired me  to pick up pencils and brushes again after a 20-year break. Then one day, while collecting discarded bags and bottles from the canal on a volunteer cleanup project in Hackney, I realised I had to do my part in helping the world get rid of the plastic bags. Or at least cut down on them. In my small way and in style.