I’m a surface pattern designer and illustrator inspired by nature and botanicals based in Staffordshire, UK. The passion behind my work is Biophilia, ‘our innate need for nature’, and how it can positively impact on our well-being. The creative process begins with nature photography, which inspires detailed drawings and abstract watercolour painting. Finally a touch of digital experimentation adds a unique contemporary twist.

A little about me and how it all started…

I grew up in rural Shropshire, art and being creative was a huge part of my childhood, I was always lost in sketchbook or busy constructing my latest art project. I studied Textile Design at Birmingham City University, where I specialised in weave, but as I came to the end of course I felt drawn towards print design and back to my love of drawing. I had also become very focused on the trend industry following a placement year at Monsoon Accessorize Ltd. I was fascinated by trend development, how they evolved, the pattern recognition, the future predictions and also their conceptual presentation in print and exhibitions for the industry. This insight has continued to be part of my work, not so much following them but being aware of how they evolve and appreciating the bigger picture.

After graduating while living back home in Shropshire, I  found my first job as wallpaper designer for a local manufacturer. I designed contract and domestic ranges for in-house collections and clients. It was the perfect fit for my love of constructed textiles and print design as contract wallcoverings are often embossed and combine these elements together. It was also the start of the digital print era for wallpaper, an exciting time to be involved in the technical side of print manufacture.

After about 4-5 years I started getting itchy feet and felt ready to move on to fresh things. I made a big bold jump to go freelance and start my own brand of art and gifts. I embraced the challenge and creative freedom of designing for a wider range of products and step by step grew my own range of products alongside.

After a few hectic years growing the business, I decided to go back to Birmingham City university to do a Masters in Fashion & Textiles. Doing this part-time over two years, I was able to refocus my creative path and it gave me the opportunity for more creative exploration, something that often gets lost when in you’re in the thick of it running a business. It was at this point I came across the concept of Biophilia and Biophilic Design, I was immediately hooked as it summed up so much of how I felt about nature but couldn’t quite explain.

The Biophilia Collection that followed saw the launch of silk scarves and luxury textiles. All products are proudly made in the UK in small batches, with carefully selected manufacturers, working as ethically and environmentally friendly as possible.

Alongside the product side of my business I’ve continued to work on commissions and art licensing for clients over the years, designing surface pattern for products ranging from plant pots to homeware to full scale digital wall murals.

In 2020 I took a short break to start a family, which during a pandemic turned out to be very interesting timing! Henri is now old enough to help ‘sort’ the envelopes and run off with all the pens given half a chance.

Since returning from maternity leave, my focus is once again back to my love of drawing. I welcome commissions and licensing opportunities, and my own range of products are available wholesale, please feel free to get in touch.

When not designing we’re off exploring the local woodlands and Cannock Chase, capturing nature with my DSLR camera. We live with our flock of cats and chickens and enjoy yoga, climbing, and gardening,