Five Illustrations
As part of the โEveryoneโs CreativeโฆRight?โ project, a series of illustrations were commissioned from talented local artists to visually represent a handful of creative individuals from the Peterborough community. We think you’ll agree, each illustration beautifully captures the unique creative essence of each featured person. Upon launch of the project, each piece was printed and displayed in numerous places around the City. Did you spot any near you?
On this page you will find information about the amazing people being showcased as well as the local artist who brought their story to life in their own style. This project aims to highlight some of the diverse talent thriving within our City.
(Click on the illustrations below to skip to their information)
Aby
(Multi-Creative)
Aby is a 17-year-old musician and performer based in Peterborough. His creative journey began in primary school, sparked by a supportive music teacher who encouraged him to explore the piano and express himself through song. Since then, Abyโs style has evolved from rock into pop and hip hop, using music as both a form of therapy and connection. His lyrics often draw on personal experience, from love and bullying to wider world issues, with the hope of inspiring others as well as himself. Aby is also interested in acting and filmmaking, having taken part in the Lemon Wedge film project in Peterborough, where he got to practice both directing and acting. Whether on stage or behind the camera, Aby thrives on creative expression and aims to pursue a future as a musician, actor or both.
illustrated by Process Smith
Process Smith uses his lifelong passions of graffiti, animation & skateboarding to create visually compelling art works. They influence his choice of subject, use of colour and choice of material (yes, he has made work from concrete).
He works using traditional and unconventional processes and materials to create street art murals, canvasses, objects and digital art work.
While he keeps a quiet presence online, more of Process Smithโs work can be found on www.process-smith.com or @process_smith
Steve Dytham
(Hobbyist Photographer)
Steve Dytham is a passionate hobbyist photographer from Peterborough, whose journey began with casual photography at airshows and on holidays. During the COVID-19 lockdowns, he developed a deep love for wildlife photography, capturing the local beauty around him. Sharing his work through social media and local publications, Steve gained recognition and appreciation from the community. This support has helped him embrace his creative identity. Though he considers himself a hobbyist, his evolving skills and dedication are clear in the stunning images he creates and the positive impact on his community.
illustrated by Jason Duckmanton
Jason Duckmanton is a multidisciplinary artist whose work blends surreal themes with both digital and traditional painting techniques. He exhibits his artwork extensively and performs at national live art events across the country. As co-director of Paper Rhino, he supports community-focused projects and organisations, creating digital designs and painting murals that bring peopleโs stories to life.
Website: jasonduckmanton.com
Twitter: x.com/jasonduckmanton
Instagram: instagram.com/jasonduckmanton
Facebook: facebook.com/duckmantonart
Lilian Muxlow
(Multi-Creative)
Lilian Muxlow is a multi-talented creative who enjoys exploring various crafts, including jewelry making, card crafting, and baking. With over 40 years of dedication to her local youth club, Lilian shares her love for creativity with younger generations, encouraging them to express themselves through activities like glass painting, card making, and more. She is also passionate about gardening and has been involved in community projects, including the development of a local park. Lilian finds joy in creating unique pieces, often crafting with her grandchildren and for friends, while also taking pride in teaching others and fostering a sense of community through her creative pursuits
illustrated by Emily Bowers
Emily is an artist who is deeply inspired by the natural world and our connection to it. Through her work, she hopes to create conversation and engage people in the arts. Emilyโs approach is experimental, tuning into emotions and body movement when creating. Colour, light, texture and atmosphere are all strong contenders in her work. She strongly believes in inspiring creative confidence in others.
Website: https://emilybowers.studio
Lukhmann Ali
(Poet / Spoken Word)
Lukhmann Ali is a spoken word poet from Peterborough who began using poetry to express his emotions and frustrations, particularly around identity and cultural misconceptions. His work has grown into a powerful voice for justice, equality, and hope, often drawing from real-life events like the struggles in Palestine. Though he has stepped back from the public poetry scene to focus on family, he continues to create, sharing stories and fostering connection through his art.
The illustration represents Lukhmann’s poem, โZaโatar and Zaytoon,โ which tells the story of a mother searching for her child in the ruins of their home, capturing both the pain of loss and the enduring hope for peace.
illustrated by Fasiha Ashiq
Fasiha is a Peterborough-based artist who tells stories through her illustrations, paintings, and intricate paper cutting. She explores the emotional and familial impacts of colonialism on identity, particularly from the perspective of individuals with similar backgrounds. Her recent works juxtapose the delicate beauty of papercut art with profound narratives that reflect the darker aspects of colonial history. Each piece encourages a deeper understanding of how these histories shape personal and collective identities. Through her artistic practice, Fasiha not only showcases her skill but also hopes to foster meaningful conversations around heritage and the lasting effects of colonialism.
Instagram: @fasiha.art
Rajni Reddy
(Community Creative)
Rajni Reddy is a passionate community leader and creative based in Peterborough, with a strong focus on community service and cultural representation. With a background in holistic therapies and skills in art, interior decoration, and event organization, Rajni channels her creativity into community-driven projects. She is the founder of the Peterborough Diwali Festival and leads numerous other initiatives, including a Bollywood karaoke group that helps build confidence and well-being. Rajniโs dedication to promoting cultural awareness and integrating different communities shines through in her work. Her mission is to inspire others to discover their own creative potential and to foster unity within the community.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/rajni.reddy.906
Diwali Festival website:
https://peterboroughdiwali.org
illustrated by Madhu. M
Madhu is a visual artist based in Peterborough, specializing in drawing, painting, and textile works. Her art draws on Indian textile traditions like wood block printing and Kantha stitching. Her recent project, โThreadbare Narrativesโ, exploring the hidden histories of cotton textiles, was exhibited at the British Textile Biennial 2023. Currently an Artist in Residence at PARCA, Madhu has collaborated with local communities on textile projects. She has also worked on the Lancashire Textile Gallery and was previously an artist in residence at Nene Park Trust and Metal Culture, Peterborough. Madhu holds an MA in Creative Technology from De Montfort University.
Website: http://www.madhuartist.co.uk/
Instagram: @madhoo_artist
