Welcome to an inspiring journey into the world of art, creativity, and profound human connection. Today, House of Coco is thrilled to sit down with the incredibly talented self-taught artist, Cherie Harte. Her art is more than just a visual experience; it’s a gateway to emotions, healing, and universal love. In this exclusive interview, we delve deep into Cherie’s childhood experiences that shaped her artistic style, the transformative power of her creative process, and the unique inspirations that breathe life into her artwork.

Get ready to be captivated by her spirit, her resilience, and the boundless love that flows through every stroke of her brush. This is more than an interview; it’s an invitation to explore the depths of creativity and the limitless potential of the human heart. Welcome to a conversation that transcends art and touches the very soul.

Can you share your journey as a self-taught artist and how your childhood experiences influenced your artistic style?

I fondly remember spending hours as a child either drawing or redecorating my bedroom. Looking back, I realize that I was crafting my own escape from a challenging childhood through these creative endeavors.

Art became my sanctuary—a safe, loving world that soothed my young soul.

However, during my teenage years, I distanced myself from art due to discouragement from teachers and counsellors who deemed me not “good enough” for the art world. Back then, pursuing art, especially for women, seemed out of reach.

Fast forward to my late 30s: amidst a crumbling marriage and an autoimmune disorder diagnosis, a dear friend invited me to a local art workshop. Reluctant at first, I eventually gave in to the calling. I rekindled my passion, transforming my living room into an art studio.

In a few years, the director of a Toronto art gallery suggested a solo show for my work. Taking a leap of faith led to the beginning of a remarkable journey.

How do you want people to feel when they experience your work?

I want people to feel embraced, seen, and deeply cared for, regardless of their backgrounds. My art aims to evoke a profound sense of humanity, offering a safe space for diverse emotions to surface organically. From there, I hope to guide viewers towards celebration and healing—two intertwined processes in my creative universe.

If you were limited to using only one colour in your future artworks, which colour would you choose?

Without a doubt, it would be PINK! Pink embodies unconditional universal love, compassion, and relationships, resonating with the heart, third eye, and crown chakras.

Could you describe your approach to creating a new piece of artwork? Do you follow a specific process or routine?

My studio ritual begins with lighting a candle, white sage, or incense, creating a sacred space. Engaging in self-reiki and setting intentions, I journal stream-of-consciousness for three pages—a practice inspired by Julia Cameron’s “The Artist’s Way.”

This journaling informs my canvas or textile work, where I weave my daily experiences, infused with the essence of universal love and healing. Aromatherapy, reiki, oracle card readings, crystals, and sound healing are integral elements in my creative sessions, imbuing each artwork with energetic medicines.

What’s the most unusual inspiration that has sparked one of your artworks?

Certainly, it’s the messages from external sources—a beautiful surrendering to something larger than myself. Through my studio practice, I receive downloads and messages meant to be shared, guiding my artistic expression.

If you could create art for any public figure, who would it be and why?

While I don’t follow many celebrities, Oprah Winfrey has always inspired me. Her resilience, spiritual depth, and commitment to healing and love resonate profoundly. Her ability to navigate life’s challenges while illuminating a path for others aligns with my artistic vision.

What’s the most memorable place you’ve created art, and what made it special?

Creating art in Santiago, Chile, stands out as an unforgettable experience. Staying in a heritage home turned art studio, the space was magical, filled with history and creativity. Access to Palolo Valdés Bunster’s studio, with its indoor bridges, swings, and sculptures, was inspiring. The intimate connection with Chilean art, coupled with the warmth of the people, fueled my creativity.

If you could time travel to any era to create art, where and when would you go?

I would journey back to the early-mid 1900s, collaborating with artists like Hilma afKlint, Georgia O’Keeffe, Frida Kahlo, Louise Bourgeois, and Joan Mitchell in New York, New Mexico, Mexico, and Paris.

What was the most challenging artwork you’ve created, and what did you learn from the experience?

My recent piece, “Fluffy Heart,” created with a tufting machine, tested my patience and perseverance. Embracing the learning curve, I discovered the beauty in imperfections and the creative solutions that emerge from challenges. Each stitch, each tear, added unique character, teaching me the value of persistence and embracing quirks in artistic endeavors.

If you could collaborate with any artist, who would it be and what project would you work on together?

Yayoi Kusama is an artist I admire deeply. I dream of collaborating on a public healing garden—a blend of nature, spirituality, healing, and art. An immersive experience inviting introspection and connection with our shared humanity.

What’s the best artistic advice you’ve received, and how did it influence your work?

The best advice I received was that art is for everybody, but not all art is for everyone. Embracing this insight allowed me to detach from personal critiques, empowering me to continue creating without being swayed by others’ opinions.

How would you describe your art in three words?

Universal, loving, connection.

Lastly, where can readers find more about you and your work?

For more about my art, visit my website at www.cherieharte.com. Follow my creative journey on Instagram. Your connection means the world to me!

In the picturesque coastal town of St Ives, a creative force known as Earthworks St Ives has been capturing the essence of this mesmerising landscape for years.

In an exclusive interview with House of Coco, we dive deep into the story behind this artistic endeavor, exploring their unique blend of contemporary design and timeless coastal inspiration.

Join us on a journey through colour, texture, and passion as we uncover Earthworks’ artistic vision and their exciting collaborations on the horizon.

Get ready to be inspired by the beauty of Cornwall’s rugged shores and the boundless creativity it has sparked.

Could you tell us about the inspiration behind Earthworks and how it captures the essence of St Ives?

Tristan and I met at art college and co-founded Earthworks. St Ives may have provided the starting point, but for us, it’s really about light and color. St Ives is a place surrounded by the sea where the elements meet – it’s all about the light and the way it illuminates and amplifies the landscape – highlighting colour and constantly changing. The landscape here is incredibly rich and inspiring. The work is not illustrative – it picks up on mood and essential elements that sit together. It’s about textures, surfaces, and strong shapes – whether this is the horizon or the harbour wall or takes inspiration from the nearby boatyard at Newlyn – the shapes, colors, and sculptural quality of objects within that working environment – all of these elements are integrated into the design process.

Earthworks St Ives started with a little shop on Fish Street – just up from the harbor. We did not set out with a formulated plan. The shop came about by a chance opportunity, and we took it on even before we had decided what we were going to sell. Once we had the shop, we set about designing a set of mugs and had them made locally just outside the town. One product led to another, but once again, it was really about color and surfaces. We wanted to offer something different – very much rooted in and authentic to St Ives. We wanted to produce work that reflected our connection to St Ives and the coastal landscape around us and our artistic response to living here on the West Cornwall coast. Fabrics, which had always been an interest, followed with a range of cushions and lampshades. We acquired a loyal following who returned regularly, and the collections evolved and grew.

Although the starting point is very much the light and coastal landscape of West Cornwall, we have been really pleased that the colors and essence of what we do have resonance with customers living all over the UK and in other coastal locations – including a growing following in Scotland. We are delighted to have some Earthworks products on several of the remote Scottish islands – including a community music center on South Uist.

How do you blend contemporary design ideas with elements from the 1930s and 40s in your collections?

There is a timelessness both to the West Cornish landscape and to the work of other artists who have gone before – drawn to St Ives, and been inspired by these landscapes. So that sense of light, color, form, and mark-making is always a conscious, quiet influence. I don’t think the work that we produce particularly fits in with what is currently ‘on trend’ or seasonal but rather we would like it to sit alongside other elements within a home or space to form part of that sense of place. The things people collect and put in their homes are incredibly personal and form part of their own history and sense of self and well-being, and a lot of deliberation and thought goes into the objects they choose to surround themselves with. Many customers visit our website frequently before making their final selection and often use some of our colour palettes as the basis or catalyst for their interior schemes. When asked, we are happy to offer our input on colors and design elements. When we get feedback that a particular Earthworks item reminds someone of maybe a favorite place or memories of time spent in Cornwall or by the coast, I love that it has triggered that response, and that our references to the landscape and color have in some way connected to their own.

Could you share a bit about the process of creating these items?

The work always starts with colour – always! Living on the coast, you become very aware of the weather patterns, the light, and the shifting tides and changing colors around you. There is an incredible vibrancy to the colors here reflected by the light and water and sky. The work is a process to try to capture the essence or impression of the color and transient subtlety of the landscape all around us. We use a variety of media to design things we would like around us and hope that others connect with them too. Cushions and lampshades are a simple way to add color and vibrancy to an interior.

What makes Earthworks products both functional and decorative? How do you strike a balance between the two?

We enjoy using our artwork to design vibrant, functional, decorative items for interior spaces. It’s important to us that the quality and finish are really high both in terms of the materials used and how they are made and produced. We have worked with a small group of UK companies from the start who share our attention to detail. Alongside the functional items, we also have a range of prints. My passion is painting and color, and I am currently working on a collection of large canvases.

In addition to your existing collections, are there any upcoming design projects or collaborations that you are excited about?

We are really excited about a new project we are just embarking on. We have been approached by a leading UK glass company to collaborate with them. This will allow large-scale glass panels to be produced using our artwork – anything from a glass splashback to large-scale wall panels. We are really excited by this new direction and love the way our artwork translates to glass – producing that wonderful “wet pebble” vibrancy to the colors, which really suits our work, and to be working on a larger scale is also very exciting.

With the studio overlooking St Ives Bay, how does the surrounding landscape and natural beauty inspire your artistic vision?

We are really fortunate to live and work here and be immersed in this landscape. From views out from the studio window, the horizon, weather patterns, and colors shift and change, and daily coastal walks with the light, tidal paths, and colours constantly changing all undoubtedly have an influence on the work – from the rocks, tides, and pools to the vast skies and headlands.

Earthworks has transitioned from a physical shop to an online presence. How has this shift impacted your business and the way you interact with customers?

Although it was great to meet customers in the shop, moving online several years ago allowed us to spend more time designing and concentrating on evolving and growing the business. We are really lucky to have a lot of regular, loyal customers – many of whom have followed our work over the years and as they put it “now have a house full of Earthworks!” We have now built up thousands of subscribers and we try to keep them regularly updated on what we are up to – new work and projects and exclusive special offers.

Being solely online means that we can really pay attention to customers. We have also taken time to source packaging that is recyclable – we use paper bubble wrap and tape, and wrap everything in white tissue which also enhances the experience of receiving an Earthworks parcel. We really value repeat customers so try to make it a seamless experience from ordering to receiving their parcel and to assure them that there are “real” people that care behind the Earthworks brand.

How do you approach commissions and design consultations? Can you share an example of a memorable project you have worked on?

We recently sent a group of 15 prints to a company headquarters in London. We were commissioned by the design company who created the interiors and the whole work space concept floor by floor within the building. This is now the third floor we have provided prints for. It’s great to work in this way as we can design a group of work that will sit together and hopefully enhance that environment for the workers in those spaces – a small piece of Cornwall in the heart of the city!

What kind of feedback have you received from Earthworks customers, and how does their input shape your future designs?

We always welcome feedback from customers and love to get comments and photos of our products in situ in their homes. It’s inspiring for us to see how they sit in different interiors and also how bold and eclectic people often are with color and the objects they choose to juxtapose together. When we ask customers to send a review we also ask them for suggestions of other products they would like to see from us – this is really helpful – rugs and throws and a return of the mugs are the current front-runners!

Our readers love to travel, what destinations do you love and what is top of your bucket list?

Love spending time in Edinburgh – there are many artistic links with St Ives and I share an affinity to both places. Also Cadiz – I dream of returning to the rooftop terrace where we stayed with wild parrots flying overhead. Bucket List – Scottish Highland Route 500 in a camper van.

What do you hope people feel or experience when they engage with Earthworks collections?

I hope they enjoy the vibrancy of the colors and feel uplifted.

As an entrepreneur and artist, what advice would you give to aspiring designers looking to establish their own brand?

Firstly, I guess I would be somewhat hesitant to offer any advice as our Earthworks path has not been at all straightforward, but maybe it would be just that – that it’s OK to try things out, take different directions and learn to operate outside your comfort zone. It’s not always going to lead to immediate success and there’s an art to knowing when to abandon ship, and when to keep on plugging away. Most entrepreneurs who achieve success often do so through learning from past mistakes. It takes time to establish a brand and a customer following, but if you are offering something original and authentic you are more likely to do this. It’s more likely to be authentic and original if it’s something that you are passionate about and enjoy doing.

Finally, as Earthworks continues to evolve, what are your long-term goals and aspirations for the brand?

We would like to grow and develop Earthworks. The artwork, designs, and products are always evolving, and we hope to build on our collections and look at international markets too. We think the glass panels would work really well in architectural settings so will be looking to work on collaborations.

Follow the brand for more.

Step into the world of creativity and passion as we sit down for an exclusive interview with William West. Beyond the lens, beyond the frames, lies a story of love, family, and a journey of self-discovery. In this captivating conversation, we delve into the vibrant tapestry of William’s life, where his greatest passions intertwine seamlessly: a devotion to his beautiful wife and three incredible daughters, an insatiable wanderlust for the beauty of the world, and an unyielding love affair with the art of photography.

It was in 2006 that William’s life took an unexpected turn, one that would lead him down a path he never anticipated. A single photograph captured at a friend’s wedding ignited a spark within him that would fuel his imagination for years to come. The magic of that moment set the stage for his remarkable journey as a wedding photographer. With an unquenchable thirst for innovation, he found himself not just capturing moments, but weaving together a symphony of documentary, fashion, and editorial styles in a single assignment, showcasing his versatility and creative prowess.

Yet, the roots of William’s love for photography dig deeper, intertwining with his fascination for art, design, and culture. Before his lens became his canvas, he specialized in graphic communications, collaborating with distinguished clients that spanned the spectrum from MTV to Architectural Digest, from Rolling Stone to The New Yorker. Each experience contributed to his unique perspective, enriching his ability to tell stories through the lens of his camera.

William West’s journey is a testament to the power of passion, the allure of diversity, and the beauty of self-expression. As we embark on this insightful conversation, we invite you to join us in discovering the intricacies of his life’s tapestry, the inspirations that shape his work, and the boundless horizons he continues to explore. Dive into a world where every frame captures not just an image, but an emotion, a narrative, and a piece of his soul. For those seeking inspiration and a glimpse into a life lived artfully, this interview promises to be an enlightening and enriching experience.

You have an extensive portfolio of photographs from all around the world. What draws you to travel photography, and how do you choose your destinations?

As a photographer, traveling is both a passion and a means to capture the beauty and diversity of the world. It allows me to immerse myself in different cultures, landscapes, and people, providing a wonderful opportunity to experience the unique aspects of each destination firsthand. By capturing these moments, I can share the stories of the places I visit with others.

Choosing my destinations is an exciting part of the process. I seek out places that offer a rich tapestry of cultures, traditions, landscapes, and architectural wonders. Particularly, I am drawn to locations with a strong sense of history or a captivating story to tell.

Overall, travel photography allows me to combine my love for photography, exploration, and storytelling. It’s a never-ending journey of discovery, where I strive to capture the essence and beauty of each place I visit.

In addition to travel photography, you also have a passion for art and design. How do these interests intersect in your work, and how do they influence your creative process?

As a photographer with a passion for art and design, these interests play a significant role in my work and greatly influence my creative process.

Art and design principles are essential elements that guide my composition and visual storytelling. I draw inspiration from various art forms, such as painting, sculpture, and graphic design, to enhance the aesthetics and impact of my photographs. Understanding concepts like balance, symmetry, colour theory, and the rule of thirds allows me to create visually compelling and harmonious images.

Many of your photographs capture moments that feel very candid and spontaneous. How do you approach capturing these kinds of moments, and what challenges do you face in doing so?

Capturing candid and spontaneous moments is one of the most rewarding aspects of my work as a photographer. These moments possess an authentic quality that resonates with viewers. To capture these moments, I employ a combination of observation, anticipation, and technical skills.

First and foremost, I strive to be present and fully immersed in the moment. By observing my surroundings and paying attention to the interactions and emotions of people or subjects, I can anticipate when those special, unguarded moments might occur. It’s about being in tune with the environment and the energy around me.

Patience is a key virtue in capturing candid moments. Sometimes it requires waiting for the right convergence of elements—a genuine smile, a fleeting expression, or an unexpected interaction. It’s about being patient and ready to react quickly when that decisive moment arises.

Another challenge is the potential intrusion on people’s privacy. While candid photography is about capturing genuine moments, it’s crucial to be respectful and considerate of people’s boundaries. I always strive to maintain ethical practices, seeking consent when necessary and being mindful of cultural sensitivities.

In summary, capturing candid and spontaneous moments requires a combination of observation, anticipation, technical skills, and an empathetic approach. It’s a delicate balance of being present in the moment while respecting the privacy and boundaries of those involved. Despite the challenges, the reward of freezing those fleeting moments in time and evoking genuine emotions through my photographs is what fuels my passion as a photographer.

What are some of the biggest challenges you face as a professional photographer, and how do you overcome them?

As a professional photographer, I encounter several challenges in my career, and overcoming them requires a combination of perseverance and strategic approaches:

• Finding clients and establishing a sustainable business: Building a client base and consistently securing photography projects can be challenging, especially in a competitive industry. To overcome this, I focus on networking, building relationships with potential clients, and actively promoting my work through various channels such as social media, online portfolios, and photography communities. I also prioritise delivering exceptional service and quality work to build a strong reputation and generate positive word-of-mouth referrals.
• Keeping up with technological advancements: The field of photography is continually evolving with advancements in equipment, software, and techniques. It can be challenging to stay updated and adapt to these changes. To overcome this challenge, I invest time in continuous learning and professional development. I stay informed about the latest gear and software updates, attend workshops and seminars, and engage with other photographers to exchange knowledge and learn from their experiences.
• Managing business and administrative tasks: Running a photography business involves more than just taking photographs. It requires managing finances, contracts, client communications, and marketing efforts. To overcome this challenge, I leverage technology and tools to streamline my workflow. This includes using project management software, accounting software, and scheduling tools to organise and automate administrative tasks, allowing me to focus more on the creative aspects of my work.
• Dealing with creative blocks and staying inspired: Like any creative profession, photographers can face periods of creative blocks or lack of inspiration. To overcome this challenge, I actively seek inspiration from various sources such as art exhibitions, books, travel, and engaging with other creative communities. Exploring new locations, experimenting with different techniques, and challenging myself with personal projects also help reignite my creativity.
• Balancing artistic vision with client expectations: Collaborating with clients while maintaining my artistic vision can sometimes be a delicate balance. It’s important to understand and align with the client’s goals and expectations while staying true to my style and artistic integrity. Open and effective communication is crucial in finding a middle ground that satisfies both parties.
• Dealing with challenging shooting conditions: Whether it’s adverse weather, difficult lighting, or uncooperative subjects, there are often challenges that arise during photoshoots. Overcoming these challenges requires adaptability, preparedness, and problem-solving skills. It involves finding alternative solutions, being flexible in my approach, and making the most of the available resources to capture the best possible images.

Overall, the challenges I face as a professional photographer require a combination of perseverance, continuous learning, adaptability, effective communication, and a focus on maintaining a balance between the creative and business aspects of my work. By actively addressing these challenges, I can grow both as a photographer and as a business professional.

You have a strong presence on Instagram and social media. How has social media impacted your career as a photographer, and how do you think it has changed the way people interact with and consume photography?

Social media, particularly platforms like Instagram, has had a significant impact on my career as a photographer. It has opened up new opportunities, expanded my reach, and changed the way people interact with and consume photography in several ways.

Firstly, social media has provided a powerful platform for self-promotion and showcasing my work to a global audience. It has allowed me to share my portfolio, connect with potential clients, and engage with a community of fellow photographers and photography enthusiasts. Through Instagram, I have been able to attract clients, collaborate with brands, and even sell prints of my work, thus directly impacting my career and generating business opportunities.

Social media has also democratised the field of photography by providing a space for photographers of all levels to showcase their work. It has levelled the playing field, allowing emerging photographers to gain exposure and recognition without the need for traditional gatekeepers. This has created a more inclusive and diverse photography community.

In terms of consumption, social media has revolutionised the way people engage with photography. It has made visual content more accessible and shareable, allowing individuals to discover and appreciate a vast array of photographic styles and genres. Social media platforms serve as virtual galleries, where users can explore the work of photographers from all over the world.

As we bid farewell to William West, his unwavering passion for photography, art, and exploration serves as a reminder that within every frame lies a story waiting to be told, urging us all to embrace our own creative journey and to capture the beauty that surrounds us in every fleeting moment. Follow his adventures here.

In a world often overwhelmed by chaos, we find solace in the vibrant brushstrokes and captivating artworks of talented individuals like Emma Baxendale. Emma’s artistic journey is nothing short of awe-inspiring, taking her from the halls of academia to the prestigious galleries of Paris and beyond. Today, we are privileged to delve into the story behind the visionary artist as she opens up about her triumphs, struggles, and the transformative power of her craft.

From her early days as a Master of Fine Arts graduate at the University of Ulster to the challenges she faced as a dedicated teacher, Emma’s passion for art has been a constant force throughout her life. Her unwavering devotion to creativity led her to establish a nurturing environment for young minds, infusing her artistry into the education and well-being of the next generation.

However, life’s unpredictability took its toll on Emma, pushing her to the brink of despair with personal and business setbacks. Yet, in the darkest moments, she found an unexpected beacon of hope and love in the form of Simon, who stood by her side through the storm, reigniting the spark that had been dormant for far too long.

As Emma dusted off her paintbrush and let her imagination run wild, she unleashed a whirlwind of colours, emotions, and stories onto her canvas. The response was nothing short of extraordinary, propelling her from a humble Instagram page to the world’s most celebrated art exhibitions, alongside legendary names like Banksy and Damien Hirst.

Join us as we embark on a captivating journey with Emma Carey Baxendale, a visionary artist, a revolutionary spirit, and a woman determined to break the barriers in the art world. Her mesmerizing artworks transport us to our happy places, inviting us to explore the depths of meaning and connection within each stroke. Through her art, Carey aims to inspire fellow women artists and leave an indelible legacy that transcends borders and touches hearts worldwide.

Get ready to immerse yourself in the radiant universe of Carey Baxendale, where art becomes therapy, and colors breathe life into dreams. Be prepared to discover the empowering tale of a woman who dares to challenge conventions and empowers others to find their voices through creativity. This is an interview that will ignite your passion, ignite your soul, and remind you that the world needs more colour and more dreams.

So, without further ado, let us embark on this journey with Carey Baxendale, a journey that will undoubtedly leave us inspired and in awe of the remarkable power of art…

Tell us about the journey that led you to launch your brand, Carey Baxendale…

This is quite a story to tell! In 2002, I graduated with my Masters in Fine Art from the University of Ulster, Belfast, Northern Ireland. At that time, the art industry was highly competitive, and securing representation by an art gallery was a challenging task. Seeking new experiences, I decided to travel to New Zealand for six months and also explored Singapore before enrolling in a PGCE program in Art & Design at Manchester Metropolitan University.

After completing my PGCE, I became a Teacher of Art at the Secondary School level, which was a role that truly resonated with my passion for art and creativity. However, my life took a turn in 2015 when I suffered a mini-stroke and became a mother of three lovely girls. This pivotal moment led me to reevaluate my life’s direction.

In 2016, I made the bold decision to start a private teacher-led day nursery for children aged 0-5 years. My vision was to incorporate my artistic background into their education and well-being. Little did I know that this journey would be intertwined with a marriage and business divorce, initiated by my partners, nearly bringing my business and dreams to ruin. It was a tough and challenging three years, but I fought fiercely for myself and my children’s future.

It was during the Christmas of 2021 that my life took another turn. My partner, Simon, noticed my struggle with the aftermath of the personal and business turmoil and asked me what would make me truly happy and bring me back to my artistic roots. Without hesitation, I expressed my love for art and my desire to paint professionally once again, a passion I had not pursued since 2002. Simon and I decided to take action, and he supported me in ordering canvas, paints, and all the equipment needed to reignite my creative journey.

With newfound determination and nothing to lose, I started creating art as therapy and a means of self-expression. Utilizing Instagram, I shared photographs and close-ups of my artwork, hoping to find appreciation and connection with others. To my astonishment, the response was overwhelming. Positive comments and support poured in, reaffirming my confidence and self-belief.

Within a few weeks, I received an email from an Art Gallery based in New York & Toronto, expressing interest in representing me at their upcoming Art exhibition at Carrousel Du Louvre in Paris. It was a dream come true as I stood among my artworks at the Louvre, exhibiting alongside globally renowned artists like Banksy, Damien Hirst, and Kaws. From that iconic moment, my art career soared, and I went on to exhibit at prestigious events such as Art Basel in Switzerland, New York, Barcelona, and Madrid. My artworks have been featured in esteemed publications like Vogue, Tatler, Vanity Fair, and World of Interiors. Today, I wake up with excitement, wondering what this wonderful day will bring me through my artwork, my true happy place.

In three words, how would you describe your art?

Visionary | Revolutionary | Interconnecting

While art is subjective, what do you hope people feel when they look at your work?

I want people to immerse themselves in the colours and meanings of my artwork, to delve deep into the stories behind each piece and feel a strong connection that captivates and intrigues them.

With your versatile skills, what makes you feel most alive and why?

My family and my art are what truly make me feel alive. Additionally, using unconventional equipment to produce my artworks, not limiting myself to traditional paint brushes, adds an extra spark of creativity to my process.

What is the process behind creating a new piece of art, and who is involved in the process?

I follow a spontaneous approach inspired by one of my favorite artists, Picasso. Much like him, I allow my artworks to take shape in the moment, reflecting my life journey, mood, and the challenges I’ve faced as a mother, wife, and businesswoman. When a vision strikes, I head to my art studio and channel my emotions onto the canvas.

If you hadn’t pursued this career, what else would you have liked to do?

Art has always been at the heart of my teaching career, and my experiences over the past two decades have enriched the depth and meaning of my artworks today. However, had I not embarked on my art journey, I might have explored other avenues within the realm of creativity and education.

Can you walk us through an average day in your life?

My day typically starts at 6:30 am, where I begin organizing my three children for school and college. Following this, I have an onsite briefing with my staff at my day nursery. Three days a week, I engage in swimming, which helps me relax and recharge. When inspiration strikes, I head to my art studio to create new artworks, and then I focus on photography and uploading content to various platforms and social media. The evenings are reserved for family time and planning for the next day.

Looking back since launching the business, is there anything you would do differently?

Looking back, I can honestly say there’s nothing I would change. I wholeheartedly dedicate myself to my art business, working seven days a week, consistently creating and promoting new works, and connecting with interior businesses and art collectors. My heart and soul are poured into my art, and I have no regrets.

Our readers love to travel. What destination is at the top of your bucket list?

The Maldives is at the top of my bucket list. I dream of spending two weeks there with my husband, enjoying the tranquility and natural beauty of the remote and pristine surroundings.

Where do you call home?

Originally from Ballymena, Northern Ireland, I currently reside with my husband and three children in West Didsbury, Manchester.

Running a business can be non-stop. What do you do to switch off?

To unwind and find balance, I swim three times a week and practice meditation for 10 minutes three times a day.

What’s your go-to quote when you’re lacking motivation?

“You have only one life and have been chosen for the gift of Art; don’t waste a minute!”

In five years from now, where do you see the brand?

In five years, I envision Carey Baxendale Art achieving global recognition, gracing the fashion houses and interiors of the world, and breaking barriers for women artists. My goal is to be among the top ten women artists, empowering and inspiring other women in the artistic realm.

Where can people find out more?

To learn more about my artwork and journey, visit my website at www.careybaxendale.com or find me on Instagram at @carey_baxendale_art. Feel free to reach out to me directly at 07483118819.