To start things, what drew you to a creative path? 

I have always had an interest in making, ever since I was little. I just always knew it was my favourite  thing to do and I wanted to do it forever.  

Am I allowed to mention Neil Buchanan from Art Attack? In all seriousness I truly believe Art Attack is  what kickstarted my innate desire to make things. I sometimes think of little me sat in front of the TV,  feeling like there were no bounds to what I could make as I watched that guy rip through reels and reels  of sticky tape, pipe cleaners and PVA glue and being utterly mesmerised. My siblings and I once made  a full sized canoe out of cardboard boxes and poster paints, a big garden art attack from bed sheets,  spades and the rest of what we could find in the shed. My mum and dad would be cheering on from the  sidelines watching this utter havoc come into fruition. The outcomes were completely ridiculous but we  were always encouraged by them both to explore our creativity, and I think that was so important. 

These moments are something that I still remember fondly today whenever I am making. They remind me  of the importance to retain that same kind of enthusiasm and freedom in order to work through my  thoughts and feelings and bring them to life in my art. 

I went to David Hockney’s exhibition last year in Paris at Fondation Louis Vuitton and it was truly one of  my favourite exhibitions. I’ve also recently re-visited Amparo Dávila’s book of short stories, The  Houseguest, after reading it 6 or 7 years ago and it continues to be fabulously eery.  

Which three artworks or artists most influenced you growing up?

Ooh it is difficult to pick. I’d say when I was a teenager Tracey Emin and Ryan Tippery. And when I was  small, I’ve got to say Helen Craig- specifically for Angelina Ballerina. This show was such an important  part of my life growing up, her illustrations for Angelina are so immersive, sensitive, nostalgic and  charming. 

It has really aided me. I love being able to shift between mediums and observe how my initial drawings can take on a new life leaping across glossy ceramics, in light, in paint, and in motion. It really allows  me to explore ideas and themes to their fullest and observe how my relationship with them all can  change over the years.  

What does your creative process look like from first sketch to finished piece?

 I first begin with writing poems and taking photos, from here I then begin to work in my sketchbook. For  drawing, my favourite sketchbook is a reporter style with off-white, thinner, smooth pages. Here I use the  writings from my poems to generate visual ideas and compositions in their first iterations. I’ve always  seen my sketchbook stage as the trunk of a tree and my other mediums, whether it be my paintings,  animations or ceramics as the branches. For oil paintings on canvas I firstly prepare my grounds,  stretching and priming the surface, before I project my drawings and realise them on a larger scale in  paint. The process of making my smaller works on paper is a little more erratic and loose, often painting  entirely from imagination.

For the undesired outcomes, these take on new life as collaged details, which  then are woven into my other pieces. In contrast, my animation process is a lot more methodic, the  medium really does dictate this aspect. I draw or paint each frame on paper, these are then scanned  and are finally brought to life in photoshop when each image is stitched together.  

Something I have always truly felt to my core is to never worry about trying to achieve a certain look or  vibe within your decor, personal style or interests. Be drawn to, and acquire the things that you truly  love. Draw inspiration from your life and the world around you, through books, film, people and  feelings.

Make sure to take your time, collect, and eventually you will build a home and a space that is  authentically you. Each object or artwork will naturally have a narrative, items will not just simply be  items but souvenirs. Colour schemes will unconsciously become harmonious across your space and you  will ultimately feel the most peace and comfort here because you are not trying to be perceived as  anyone but yourself. Your home and the art you choose will therefore be timeless.