How do you stay inspired to create? Do you keep a journal or sketchbook?
I keep a running list of ideas in a journal, but I'm awful about sketching. It's something I'd like to get better at, but I never have the time or the patience- I just want to get right into the final product. As a nature illustrator, I'm constantly inspired. Checking in on nature news and facts- especially related to animals- is a daily touchstone for me. I love watching animal documentaries, and there are so many incredible people making them nowadays, it's like an endless pool of inspiration. When I'm in a slump and feeling uninspired, there are a few classic naturalists and conservationists whose work I look to, to reignite my passion. I'll just watch a bit of David Attenborough, or read some Jane Goodall or EO Wilson, and try and absorb some of their excitement and devotion to the natural world.
What do you love about the natural world? Where do you think this fascination comes from?
David Attenborough says that all children are fascinated by nature when they're young, but they often lose that fascination as they grow up. So I may just never have lost it. I will say there is often a definite "childlike" vibe to my work, just by the nature of the style and the subject matter. People sometimes describe my taxonomy illustrations as "nursery decor," and I know there are lots of young kids who connect with it (which is so awesome). There's something about nature that kind of captures that youthful sense of imagination and wonder. I guess I'm trying to reconnect with that in the work I make. By the way, I think my work can be for people of all ages! (But I did recently hear from a parent that their two kids were having a fight over who got to have their Lepidoptera poster- from my shop- in their room, so they had to take turns. That made me extremely happy!!!)
How do you gather resources and materials to create? What sorts of things do you learn from your practice?
My materials are pretty straight-forward. I usually use gouache- whatever brand I can get my hands on at this point, although Winsor & Newton is a favorite. Once in a while I'll use a matte acrylic paint for broad areas of color. And as far as paper goes, I'll basically use anything thick enough to take the paint. I like gouache as a main art material because it allows for really fine detail and lots of different textures (at least I think it does). It's cool how by painting a subject, you are forced to study it and make new discoveries about it, often in ways you just can't just by looking at it. By trying to replicate a subject, you learn more about it. I love that.
What are some hobbies you enjoy doing? How do your personal interests find their way into your art making?
Ooh! I like going on walks and visiting parks and gardens, which definitely can serve as inspiration. I also really like knitting, especially when it's a garment I'll be wearing myself. I like feeling connected to the objects around me, and knitting is an awesome way to do that. It helps you look at the world in a different way, to slow down and take the long way 'round- instead of just buying a sweater, spending hours upon hours building it up from spun yarn. There are definitely parallels between that and my illustration practice. I also love coffee and that finds its way into my art via me spilling it onto my work all the time >.< HA!