Tell us a bit about yourself and your journey as an artist. How did you find your creative path?
I am an artist and fashion designer based in Byron Bay. Before moving to Australia I grew up and studied fashion design in Wellington, New Zealand. From an early age, I developed a love for beautiful flowers that I could always find in my Mum’s garden and when I went on adventures into New Zealand’s picturesque mountains.
When I was 25, I made the move to Byron Bay and worked as a fashion designer for some fantastic local labels including Spell, Mister Zimi, Oak Meadow and Andean while building my art and design business. Over the past four years, I have focussed more on my creative business offering live fashion illustrations at weddings and functions, illustrating children’s picture books and creating surface pattern designs for fashion brands.
What inspired your artwork for Mayde Tea's Limited Edition Artist Box series?
My artwork was inspired by when you open a Mayde Tea product, you can literally see and smell all the herbal and floral ingredients that are included. My artwork takes a look at what these ingredients may have looked like back when they were in full bloom.
Your duo pack features Restore and Adapt. What do you love about these two blends?
I always have a stock of Mayde Tea on the shelf. I love these two blends, in particular for their fantastic immune support and their great taste.
Can you walk us through your creative process? How do you go from the initial concept to the finished artwork?
Once the initial concept has been set, I start researching to see what colours and shapes stand out and fit with the product. I then sketch down a few ideas to get a feel if what is in my mind actually looks good on paper. I start off with a lightly sketched outline of the flowers, then add layers of watercolour. Starting with soft base layers, then shadows, and finally building up the finer details of every stem, leaf, and petal. Once that process is finalised, I scan my illustration into Photoshop where I make final edits and the artwork is complete.
How do you incorporate wellness into your creative process? Are there any rituals or routines that help you stay balanced and inspired?
I normally start my day with a walk or a swim at the beach before I sit down at my desk. This helps clear my mind, makes me feel calm and even gets my creative juices flowing as I am always inspired by my natural surroundings.
What does your ideal day look like? Do you have any favourite activities or places that help you recharge creatively?
My ideal day would start by walking past my favourite coffee shop for a chai before heading to the beach. I then slowly make my way home to start my creative projects for the day. I have a tendency to get lost in my work and don’t move for hours so I try to get outside again at the end of the day to sit on the beach and watch the ocean as the sun sets.
What’s one book, quote, or philosophy that has deeply influenced your approach to life and wellness?
"If you truly love nature, you will find beauty everywhere"
Vincent van Gogh
Finally, how does it feel to see your art represented on a product like Mayde Tea?
It is very humbling to have been asked to be a part of the artist box series for Mayde Tea.
I love this company and think their products are delicious (their chai blend is better than many cafés in town!) I think this a great initiative to support artists and can’t wait to see my art on the next box of tea that I buy!
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