At Ahmad Tea we are big believers in ‘tea artistry’ – our tea blenders and tasters treat their profession like an art. But recently we came across somebody who has taken tea artistry to the next level. We caught up with UK artist Jan Heath who became famous when her paintings on teabags were featured by the BBC.
When did you start painting on teabags?
I’ve been painting for a long time and my house is full to the brim of large canvases. When the Coronavirus lockdown came into effect in March 2020, I soon realised that I was going to run out of space in my home. All the galleries I used to work with were shut so couldn’t accommodate any more paintings and painting gives me so much pleasure so stopping wasn’t an option either. I needed to think of a new way to paint but on a small scale. One day I was browsing Pinterest and a painting on a tea bag caught my eye- and there was my answer!
How does it work?
Firstly you make the tea and then dry the teabag. When it is dried out, I use a cocktail stick to unpick the teabag and empty the tea leaves into the garden. I then iron the tea bag and prime it with gesso, an artist’s primer.
Next I draw the outline on the teabag or trace it on and then paint the picture. I usually try to match the natural colours from the tea. I’ve learnt new skills painting on such a small area and I’ve had to buy new smaller brushes for my new line of work.
I have to be precise when I’m painting so I use a magnifying glass to make my paintings perfect.
Art can cut across borders and can bring people together
What's your advice for people who want to try something new?
I’ve repainted lots of my larger paintings onto teabags which has been fun and I also get my inspiration from magazines.
Painting for me has been a godsend in lockdown. It’s kept me happy and occupied and sometimes I get so lost in my paintings that I forget to cook dinner! I’m so pleased that my teabag paintings have made so many people happy. I’ve had enquiries from people all over the world and it gives me so much pleasure that art can cut across borders and can bring people together. It unites us, which is lovely, especially during a pandemic.
CONTINUE READING
Amazing Women In Tea
We aim to empower, support, and elevate the women within the tea industry around the world.
Sip, Read, Repeat
Nothing beats reading a great book while sipping a delicious cup of tea - perfect escapism and a great way…
Amin Afshar – Tea Taster
Ahmad Tea’s tearoom is the powerhouse of the business and the team who are responsible for it work tirelessly to…
Sabry Sikkander – Manager Administration
This month, we’re privileged to shine the light on Sabry Sikkander who has played a pivotal role developing and growing…
Ahmad Tea’s China Facility
We’re delighted to announce that Ahmad Tea China, our business partner within the territory, has opened a new factory in…
Ahmad Tea’s Japanese distributor celebrates its centenary
This month, our Japanese distributor, Tominaga Boeki Kaisha Ltd. (TBK), celebrates its 100th anniversary and we wanted to mark this…
Nadia Rodriguez – Key Account Manager
Nadia Rodriguez is one Ahmad Tea’s Key Account Managers and has recently appeared on our LinkedIn feed celebrating Ahmad Tea’s…
Pennie Doddington – Data Systems Project Manager
This month, we were delighted to spend some time with Pennie Doddington, Ahmad Tea's data analyst. She's known for her…
Dominic Marriott – Senior Tea Taster
Dominic Marriott, is Ahmad Tea’s Senior Tea Taster and holds one of the most important roles in the company, we…