The Art in Everyday Moments with Natalia Bagniewska
We’ve invited London-based artist, illustrator, and designer Natalia Bagniewska to create designs for our arranging guides this season. Her work celebrates moments of leisure, rest and relaxation, as well the joy found in everyday things, so it was a perfect match for our shift into autumn and a return to cosying up inside. We caught up with her on all things art, inspiration, and what the new season means to her.
To start us off, could you tell us a bit about your path to becoming an artist, illustrator, and designer and how you developed your personal style?
I retrained as a graphic designer a while back now. I worked in media and publishing, commissioning illustrators and designers but I was actually just desperate to be doing what they were doing. The illustration and art naturally developed from my design knowledge; I see all these disciplines working hand in hand to help me with my creative output. The art feeds the branding, the design feeds the art, etc.
My personal style hasn’t changed a huge amount since being a child to be honest! I’ve honed it in, polished it, understood what works for me, but that comes from just making and doing all the time and constantly self-referencing and critiquing my own work.
Your work celebrates the joy that can be found in little, everyday things. Tell us a bit more about where you draw inspiration from.
I am really inspired by everyday moments; cups of coffee, my fruit bowl, a little walk to the local park. I love anything silly, colourful and joyful, and if you really stop to look, you can see so much of those moments around.
You also speak about your daily rituals. Could you share with us some examples of what they are and how they influence your life and work?
I spend a lot of time in and around my home; I work from home and have 2 young kids. I have had to find inspiration around me, so I look to my kitchen, my plants, my garden, and even my own clothes as sources of inspiration. As a lover of colour and playfulness, I also love to be inspired when I am travelling and in more exotic places, though I’m doing a little less of that these days.
As we’re moving into autumn, tell us a bit about your approach to shifting seasons. What changes in your daily routine and how does it affect your creativity and your process?
I love autumnal colours; dusty pinks, terracotta, oranges, deep greens. So I feel really inspired at this time of year. I try to get out and capture the last moments of light and colour in nature before things shut down in every sense of the word! I also see it as a time to reflect, take stock, and enjoy that ‘back to school’ feeling. I find it really inspiring and exciting.
You’ve created some beautiful bespoke artworks for our arranging guides this season. Tell us a bit more about how flowers inspire you and your work.
I’m obsessed with flowers. I draw and paint them a lot, they are eternally inspiring and beautiful. I love to have flowers dotted around the house, especially as the days get shorter and we spend more time indoors. They liven up rooms, put smiles on faces, and of course are a joy to paint.
And finally, do you have any exciting upcoming projects or exhibitions you’d like to share with us?
I have a collection of floral paintings with the gorgeous Southover Gallery in Lewes. Otherwise I am coming out of the maternity leave / summer holiday fog, so am slowly and intentionally getting back to work. I have a few lovely projects launching in the autumn, so look out!
Keep updated on Natalia’s work on instagram (@natalia.bagniewska.art) and on her website (https://www.nataliabagniewska.com).
Say it with a bunch
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