We invite you to meet Heather Fox and Rachael Cocker who both have roots in surface design and a passion for pattern.
With two uniquely different styles, and each with their own approach to creating, join us in our admiration for their beautiful creations and uplifting artwork which is truly a joy to view - Soul food on a grey day!
Heather Fox
Based in Somerset, Heather works as both a freelance print designer and as an illustrator, splitting her time 50/50 between the two different fields. We love the use of colour and the way her illustration style is influenced by her experience as a textile designer.
Our favourite piece is ‘Objects of the V&A’ as featured below, which we will most certainly be ordering for the walls of the East studio!
We caught up with Heather to ask her a few questions about her work and the inspiration behind it;
What is your Greatest source of inspiration?
'I'm currently working my way through the 9000 photos I have from my year away in Mexico and Guatemala, and they are inspiring me in a way I could never be from sitting in front of my computer! They are the most colourful and wild places I've ever been to.'
What is your favourite medium?
'I love to work with marker pens in my sketchbook because they are so immediate and practical for getting things down quickly, especially if I'm sketching outside. It's also impossible to be precise with them, so you can't get too bogged down with proportions or detail. For final pieces though I love to use a mix of watercolour, gouache and marker pens.'
How is lockdown influencing your art & process during lockdown?
'Since all my paid work has been put on hold, I suddenly find myself without a brief to answer! I like working with a brief, you get asked to do things you would never have done otherwise, and having parameters can force you to be more creative. Having those limits removed has for me been both good and bad - I finally have the time to do the really creative stuff I've been fantasising about, but I'm also feeling the pressure that brings. You want to start making this wildly impressive work that utilises new skills you haven't got yet, to start painting like Matisse and creating master pieces, but it just doesn't work like that. It's an uncomfortable place to be, but I'm starting to find a balance between making work that comes easier to me whilst trying out those things I've always wanted to try. I'm keeping the faith that I'll get some new interesting work out of this lockdown!'
Do you have any tips for getting through this extended time at home?
'It's so much easier to say than to do, but don't spend your time thinking of all the things that you're not doing. Save that energy, and embrace your abilities and everything you are right now and work with it.'
Do you have any other artists, illustrators and/or print designers who influence and inspire you?
'Oh my god there are too many to name! My favourite painters are Peter Doig, Henri Matisse, David Hockney and Charlotte Keates - their use of colour in their landscapes is the stuff of dreams. The illustrators and print designers I find most inspiring are Sarah Gordon, Jacqueline Colley and Katrin Coetzer (@sarahgordondesign, @jacquelinecolley, @trini_prins). Irving Herrera is an amazing printmaker, and Lourdes Sanchez (AKA Luli Sanchez, print designer turned fine artist) makes these beautiful and timeless paintings with ink and water colour.'
Inspired by the beautiful antique textiles in the V&A museum we love this little triptych of paintings
(pictured above), available on Heather's online store.
***All images are a curated selection from Heather's Website or Instagram:
https://www.heatherfoxdraws.com/
https://www.heatherfoxdraws.com/
Rachael Cocker
Based in Norwich UK, Rachael Cocker is a multi-disciplinary Designer and Maker.
'Since graduating from BA Illustration at Edinburgh College of Art in 2015, she has developed a practice which explores the translation of drawing, mark making and pattern onto various surfaces and functional forms; often working with clay. Drawing from folk art, flowers and plants, her pattern-focused approach to design is playful, painterly and expresses the joy of making by hand.'
We love Rachael's approach to surface design, using bold fresh colours that are just a joy to look at. Each piece feels so uplifting and full of happiness; we highly recommend following Rachel on Instagram for a little dose of colour and visual delight to keep the spirits up. You can find Racheal's instagram here
'Since graduating from BA Illustration at Edinburgh College of Art in 2015, she has developed a practice which explores the translation of drawing, mark making and pattern onto various surfaces and functional forms; often working with clay. Drawing from folk art, flowers and plants, her pattern-focused approach to design is playful, painterly and expresses the joy of making by hand.'
On Surface Design & Illustration
'Originally training in Illustration, drawing and painting is at the heart of my design practice. I offer a range of design services including pattern design, hand lettering and bespoke illustration for private clients, creative brands and businesses. I specialise in bold, freehand designs with a joyful use of colour and pattern.'
***All
information & images are a curated selection from Rachael's Website or Instagram:
https://www.rachaelcocker.co.uk/
https://www.rachaelcocker.co.uk/
Stunning work from some talented artists – and such wonderful colours!!! Like Valerie, i find travelling in India such a joyous experience because of the vibrant colours. It’s a shame that East’s current clothing uses such muted and dull colours. Sorry!
Really lovely images. Beautuful.
Thankyou for showcasing the work of Heather and Rachael, I love their rich use of colour and the mediums through which they work. I am a fan of the rich colour palettes used in India and the East and have many colourful momentoes from my travels there.