Can you give us a quick bit of background about yourself?
I grew up in London, England and studied Graphic Design in Brighton on the south coast. I travelled a lot in my late teens/early 20s and settled in BC when I was 25. I now live in Ucluelet, on the west coast of Vancouver Island.
How did you begin working with GNU?
My first time snowboarding was in Niseko, Japan in 2010. I totally fell in love and knew I wanted to create artwork for a board. Some time after that I emailed a few companies. A couple got back to me. Jamie Anderson was getting her first pro model with GNU and the timing just worked out.
Can you tell us about the work you created for the Ladies Choice and Pro Choice snowboards?
This year Jamie wanted a snowflake, or something inspired by that sparkly snow on a pow day. I like to hide little elements within the drawings, in the snowflake there are tiny cabins, like the one on the Free Spirit, which is a hut I went to a few years ago with some good friends.
What’s it like collaborating with Jamie on the board designs?
The collaboration goes both ways. She usually comes up with a bunch of ideas. We pick our favorites and kind of blend them all. We just go from there.
Can you tell us about some memorable projects you’ve worked on with GNU?
Having friends and family see Jamie’s first Olympics was pretty incredible. The board was so bright and it really stood out. Jamie’s first Free Spirit was a special board (compass design). Around then, I moved from Whistler to the coast. I snowboarded a little less but began to love it even more.
Can you tell us about the house project mentioned on your website?
Mark (my partner) and I have been building a house the past few years. It’s been the hardest and most rewarding project I’ve ever worked on. We’re hoping to be done in a year. It’s crazy how long it takes when it’s just two people.
Can you tell us about any projects you’re working on currently?
Mainly the house. It’s been strange doing less artwork than usual. I’m currently working on a poster for The West Coast Triple Plank, an amazing event started by Marie France Roy and Alicia Gilmour. I’m also working on a few things for Jamie and some local projects for Central West Coast Forest Society and a friend starting a new business.
Can you tell us about your artistic influences?
I’m super inspired by a lot of the artists in the snowboard scene - Hannah Eddy, Schoph, Peter John de Villiers, Janessa Bork. I was very lucky to be surrounded by amazing designers and artists at university, and then after that in London. I went to New York to intern with Mike Perry right after I graduated, which really opened my eyes to how hard people work and how much creativity can be produced and developed with collaboration.
How would you describe your artistic style?
Nature based, pen and ink, typographic, balanced
What are your main sources of inspiration rightnow?
My dog, Maple. Tide pools, getting out in the forests and the mountains and the ocean. If you haven’t snorkeled off the Pacific Northwest coast through the kelp - go do it. Splitboarding is a great time for thinking of new ideas.
How would you say your work has evolved over time?
It’s crazy to see how it’s changed; I still have some projects I look back on that I’m kind of surprised I pulled off. Specifically on the boards, I feel like the progression has been so interesting, I love where the artwork is going, it always changes into something a little bit unexpected. Very excited for next year’s boards.
Where do you see your work headed in the future?
Hopefully bigger work and different mediums. I’m currently working and living out of a camper while we build the house, which is a bit restricting sometimes. I’ll have a proper studio space in the house which willbe incredible.
Can you tell us about how the outdoors has influenced your work?
In every way, I don’t know where I’d be without it.