You’ve been living in Mallorca! Is this a temporary move or long-term? What prompted the move and what drew you to Mallorca?

Yes! I’m so lucky to be here at this time. Due to Covid it’s very hard to make any long-term plans at the moment, so I am taking it day by day and keeping an open mind in regards to my future, and where that might be. This time last year I spent a lot of time daydreaming about living on Mallorca- it seemed lots of exciting things were starting here, and obviously, it’s incredibly beautiful. 

Alongside my art practice I have worked helping to coordinate artist residencies, so when my friend Claudia- who lives on the island and recently set up the residency space and guest house Casa Balandra- asked me to manage the residency program, as well as being among one of the first artists-in-residence, I jumped at the opportunity of course! When travel starts to open up a bit more, I intend to spend time between here and my home in the UK, which I also love very much. But I do like island life… I think it suits me well. 


 
Did you always know you wanted to be an artist? Was there a moment that it became clear?

Growing up with creative parents, and my grandmother who was an art teacher, creativity was always part of my life. Growing up I made and wrote books, baked cakes, sewed tiny clothes for toy animals, attended my grandmother’s art classes… that all sounds very idyllic doesn’t it! Also, growing up in London I had incredible access to exhibitions and shows, so inspiration was easy to find, and I think that has benefitted me hugely. I think all of these things have shaped me to be in the place I am today. It makes me feel very privileged and lucky to see that written down actually. 


We really like your comprehensive approach to creating. For example, you’re not just shooting the world you see around you — you’re baking or cooking, photographing (and enjoying, we presume!) the results and the moment / space around them, and painting them as well! What is the process like, from your end?

I’m a very indecisive person, so that probably informs my process a lot! I can never decide what I want to do, and I’m excited about lots of things, hence the constant change of direction. 

I’ve moved from painting, to studying set design for theatre, to photography, to ceramics, and back to drawing most recently. 

Because I like to shoot my photos on film, I struggled to keep a creative process going when lockdown started last year - being unable to develop and see my photos, I started drawing table settings with oil pastels. Often the best part of the day was either sitting down for a coffee or taking a loaf of bread out of the oven, so it was as simple as putting that onto paper, and they seemed to get a good response. Since then I have continued to work in this way, with a particular emphasis on breakfast scenes, because in my opinion that is the very best time of the day. 

I still don’t feel that I’ve found my process- maybe if I stayed in one place for a long enough time I would find a studio and a routine, but for the time being I am enjoying experimenting and combining all my interests together. 

Who are some artists who have been inspiring you lately? What about those who have had a larger, foundational influence (if any)? 

Because I have worked and lived at artist residencies in recent years- I spent two seasons at Villa Lena in Tuscany, and now we're working with our third group of artists-in-residence at Casa Balandra- I am constantly meeting and engaging with creative people with different art practices. I’m inspired by all of them! Spending intimate time with them and understanding their process gives me a renewed sense of wonder and excitement about art.

I do still get goosebumps when I look at the photography of Francesca Woodman… and more and more I think I’m harking back to the paintings made by my grandma. 

What are you excited about or feeling drawn to creatively or in life (or are these inseparable!)?

I think you’re right in saying that they’re inseparable. I’d like to eventually find somewhere to settle for a longer period of time- be it Mallorca or the UK-  I think I’m starting to crave some sort of routine. Maybe find a studio space, preferably somewhere by the sea. I’d like to be able to start each day off with a swim… Cornwall (on the west coast of England) often comes to mind. I fantasise a lot about starting a bakery where breakfast is the star of the show. Maybe there’ll also be an aperitivo hour. I’m excited about what’s to come- even though I’m not sure what it looks like right now.