I’m an illustrator based in the UK. I grew up by the sea in Devon before leaving for London where I studied at Central Saint Martins and the Royal College of art. Since then, I have worked freelance, selling my original artwork and homeware designs, collaborating with a range of fashion, beauty and interior brands. Recently my partner Dan and I decided to relocate to a cottage in the countryside to try something different for a while.

I drew from a very early age all the time, plus I am a left-handed Pisces and was told this meant I was artistic. I think the combination of being told this and always drawing meant I formed a very strong idea early on that art was my thing. I was bought a beautiful hand-blown glass dip pen in Venice when I was around 8 or 9 and have used them ever since.

As I said I’ve recently relocated to the countryside so currently I am feeling very inspired by the wild surrounding landscape and traditional country folklore. When I am in London, I find inspiration in its beautiful museums and galleries where I visit the British Library to look at Medieval illuminated manuscripts and the Tate Britain and National Gallery to see my favorite Renaissance and Pre Raphaelites paintings.

I’ve always been drawn to 19 century Gustavian country furniture, there is a romance and fairytale quality to the period. We decided it would be fitting to have the ceramics in dusky greens, historical reds and cream shades, a very prevalent color combination in the cabinet designs. The watercolor wash mimics the rag work often used on the paneling, which creates the cabinets rustic patina. Traditionally the folk-art designs tend to be very symmetrical and ordered with a botanical theme. They often include symbolic heart motifs and ribbon flourishes like those in the collection. The insect motifs are a nod to the beautiful nature of Jämtland.

I go through phases of favorites, but currently I do love drawing snakes and caterpillars.

I walk a lot. I find walking through woods particularly calming; the trees have a presence which feels very mystical, it makes me feel very mortal, closer to nature and I realize my every day stresses aren’t very important.

Home is wherever my partner and dog are. We spent the last few years working on various renovation projects so have lived all over the place, but once we unpack a few familiar objects and have coffee in the cupboard it feels like home.

The solitude and being so surrounded by open space and wild nature. I adore London, the energy and seeing all my friends but I feel I have more headspace to feel creative here.

LINK TO A SHORT FILM ABOUT THE MAKING OF THE COLLECTION AND MORE ABOUT FEE HERE.