spring '22 mug collection

This collection of mugs was a long time in the making, both physically and conceptually. I’ve always had an interest in plants and flowers, as a hobby and in the art I consume, but for whatever reason I thought it was too frivolous or fussy to feature in my own work. Seems kinda dumb now. I’d also never done designs that were figurative or illustrative, so it felt like new territory.

During the first Covid lock down of 2020 I spent a lot of time drawing the plants I have on my boat, and playing around with mark making and pattern. Despite the stress of the situation, the lockdown was a welcome opportunity to draw and make without pressure. Eventually, I couldn’t resist any more…and the collection of floral mugs was born!

Here’s a mish-mash of sketchbook scenes, mugs in the making, and inspiration, including the work of Natalia Goncharova, a trip to Charleston House, Yayoi Kusama, and the plants in my life.