Are you interested in other forms of art besides fashion?
If so, what? Of equal interest to me is Visual Arts. I am an oil painter who specialises in still life and portraiture and my work is very influenced by classical styles.
I have widespread interest in the arts and design outside of fashion, such as a love for architecture and music as well.I feel this constant tug of war between my passion for painting and also for fashion design, and so I’m determined to pursue both in equal measure, hoping to find the sweet spot where the two intersect.
What did you enjoy during your childhood, and how have those things influenced your current tastes?
My childhood was filled with curiosity and make-believe. I enjoyed playing dress ups, taking on characters. We had a big trunk of my aunties clothing from the 80s to pull from, rich with variety! Sometimes getting dressed is almost like I’ve reclaimed that childlike exercise of donning a character for the day.
I’ve also always loved nature and gardening, when I was twelve I wanted to be a horticulturist. I see that influencing my love for natural fibres and earthy tones. My grandmother and I would sew together from a young age, that has been one of the largest influences for my love of fashion and for studying fashion design. Sewing and designing has great sentimental and emotional value for me because of this.
What hobbies, thoughts, and activities do you engage in during your free time?
When I am not at work or painting, I am content exploring and walking in nature. I am very often journaling my thoughts and feelings and love writing the occasional short story and poems just for myself. I ruminate a lot about the future, as I know many of us do, which is why I find it so important to step away from technology and re-ground oneself.
Can you tell us about your recent activities or projects?
Recently I have been working on a handful of private commissions and completing a commission for an oil portrait. The work is one of my largest so far in scale!
Do you have a message or intention for your content or work?
More than anything I just enjoy creating and appreciating the beauty in my life. I find enjoyment in curating things, to romanticise things as I see them. This motivation seems to pervade most aspects of my life, my art and sense of dress.
Do you think your tastes and preferences will change in the future?
I think with age my tastes are bound to change to some degree, however I do feel that I have reached a place where my tastes feel very authentic and like I have found a sense of practical and aesthetic equilibrium.
What are your current goals?
This September I am relocating to London which will be a new beginning for me. I would like to continue working within fashion and find out where exactly I belong within the design world.
One of my main objectives is also to find inspiration travelling through europe. I intend to create a new body of work, most likely a series of paintings, to eventually be shown in a solo exhibition.
