Shannon Heath - Artist Series

What inspired your artwork for Mayde Tea’s Limited Edition Artist Box series?

The teas inside the Unwind box set are designed to make you feel calm and tranquil so I wanted to ensure the artwork on the packaging reflected this restorative feeling.

The Fading Fleur’s artwork came to life during a time of transition between two larger bodies of work. I had been using larger flower stencil motifs in my work prior and was really feeling like I wanted to evolve from this so began working with smaller scale flower stencils and working them in to make them a secondary focus and much more subtle.

I wanted to honour and reflect the floral and grounding herbs used in the blends by using a warm, gentle and nourishing colour palette.

Can you walk us through your creative process? How do you go from initial concept to finished artwork?

I often approach a new body of work with one little spark of inspiration that grows or can swing in another direction. Often it could be a quote or something I have seen. Sometimes it could be a photo or a video that captures light and movement in a really beautiful way that inspires me. My most recent body of work, Into Calm was influenced by ombres of colours that I saw during fashion week. Colour is a huge part of my process, I knew I wanted to create work that felt warm and had more depth than previous bodies of work so I began incorporating a lot of neutral colours and deep reds/browns in conjunction with the fluorescent shades I often include in my work.

If I have a strong idea on composition I usually start with a quick sketch directly onto the canvas. Most of the time I just want to start getting a lot of colour onto the canvas. Sometimes where the different colours land can inform the composition, so I generally begin working into that with layering thin veils of colour.

I usually work on 2-4 pieces at once and once I’ve completed a few works I have a really clear vision of where I want the remainder of the works to go. When I am working on a solo show I like to create the work with the layout of the room in mind. I generally have a very clear idea of which works should hang with one another.

How do you incorporate wellness into your creative process? Are there any rituals or routines that help you stay balanced and inspired?

Wellness plays a huge part of my creative process. Movement helps to clear my mind and move stagnant energy.

I have practiced yoga for nearly 20 years but I usually start the day with Pilates or a big walk with my dog. Whether I am at my design job or painting in my studio, starting the day with movement is key for productivity.

I am also a big fan of infrared saunas and feel like they help to dig me out of any creative blocks or energy slumps.

Treating yourself to an afternoon Loco Love choccy and a Mayde Tea is also high on my priorities.

What does your ideal day look like? Do you have any favourite activities or places that help you recharge creatively?

My favourite kind of day combines a spa day with the girls, we love The Banya or Comma. Finding treasures at the op shop, I love Yumei in Byron. Dinner on the beach with the fam, we love Rainbow Bay and then escaping to a gig with my husband - my perfect day!

What’s one book, quote, or philosophy that has deeply influenced your approach to life and wellness?

It Comes In Waves - I feel like this one resonates a lot. The only constant in life is change, nothing ever stays the same for too long. There is a continuous natural ebb and flow of highs and lows in life, which is a good reminder that things will pass. What might seem incredibly challenging or intense will not stay that way forever. Likewise, it’s import to be humble when you’re experiencing the highs in life as they too might be short lived. 

Finally, how does it feel to see your art represented on a product like Mayde Tea?

I am so proud to collaborate with Mayde Tea. Living in the Northern Rivers myself, I find it so important to connect with small businesses and support female founded brands.

I value working with brands who prioritise quality ingredients and have a transparent sustainability mission, so the partnership felt like a perfect match.