I am going to admit something rather reckless. Don’t get me wrong; it’s not illegal. It’s just not atypical behaviour. I ‘run away’ (which is legal at the age of 32).

I get into the car and drive. Of course, I have a ‘vague’ action plan (my heroines are, of course, Thelma and Louise) but often, Plan A turns into Plan B. Slight detours are always necessary in life, resulting in rapid escapes from more familiar landmarks.

I am not a hermit but I do need time alone, preferably away from cars, computers, television, telephones (could I possibly be a technophobe?) and above all, Christmas decorations in November. Everyone needs to escape, to a greater or lesser degree. This may/may not involve meditating upon profound truths but to immerse oneself in the heart of the countryside, surrounded by abundant land and overpowering works of art, underneath a big blue sky is to me, sanity, in a nutshell.

The New Art Centre was the secret destination last week. It lies rather hidden at Roche Court, East Winterslow, Wiltshire. It’s a special place, consisting of an art centre, gallery, artists’ house, formal house and landscape.

I’ll be honest. I don’t fully understand sculpture or modern art. By nature, the two are mysterious, open for exploration by the viewer. There is no right or wrong translation of meaning, merely an opportunity for the individual to personally engage with them.

I felt as if I was participating in a treasure hunt as I clutched my guide, with a constant vigilant eye on clues for seeking out precious jewels, hidden amongst the terrain. Each work had a presence, an idea or an aesthetic quality that blended in with the landscape. I found surprises, joys and sadness, reinforcing how tangible and precious life is.

In particular, I found Richard Long’s ‘Tame Buzzard Line’ very striking. A rectangle was cut into the grass, filled with pure soft rocks, diagonally placed to the contours of the ground. It was an oasis of light, in direct contrast to the surrounding solid greens and browns of the countryside.

Words too were, and are powerful. Several stone cutters displayed their work, such as Sebastian Brooke and John Neilson. I was touched by their biblical and philosophical undercurrents. Simple yet exquisitely cut and carved …… the marks left impressions.

I have to admit, the elemental part of my visit was on turning the key to the Artists’ House. I am sure that ‘Alice’, whilst exploring her wonderland, turned such a key and was overawed similarly at what she saw.

I found a space, divided into two levels, containing ‘rooms’ filled with abstract art, by bath-tubs, fire places, stoves and a sofa. I wanted to curl up, and allow the light to filter in, whilst perusing the beautiful art books on display. I have never experienced such thoughtful and delicate works of art, in one place.

I have distinct memories of that morning. The morning that I ran away (again), lost in time and space, underneath the expanse of the big blue sky. I will return, to view and sense the array of artwork that both mystified and inspired me, to think once again, beyond the confines of my own mind and thoughts.