This month’s cover artist is WA’s finest ever export to Sydney, the creative mastermind behind all facets of the Tawny’s design, my partner in life, parenting and publishing, Mrs Frogmouth.
How long have you lived on the Northern Beaches?
I moved to Fairlight from Perth 14 years ago, and haven’t looked back. I had a brief stint living in Freshwater, but it’s Fairlight where I feel most at home.
If you had to live anywhere else in the world, where would the second-best place be?
My fantasy self would love to live somewhere quaint, European and steeped in history. Somewhere warm, somewhere picturesque. A villa in Italy would be lovely. As would a (small) chateau in the south of France.
What inspired your cover?
The cover is a cornucopia of the sights and associations of my local area. It’s the things I see, the sights I walk past, the places I go and some of the unique wildlife we are so lucky to live amongst.
How would you describe your art?
My illustration style is lively, colourful, accessible and fun. I enjoy a maximalist and chaotic aesthetic which finds its way into my style. It certainly has into this cover.
Do you have a favourite part of the process?
My illustrations are painted in watercolour as individual pieces that I scan and add to a library of assets to use in photoshop. My favourite part is watching the paint hit the page. There is something so satisfying about watching the colours blend and slowly soak in. Like a lot of people, I spend the majority of my work week on the computer and in front of screens. Working with a fluid, analog, sometimes unpredictable medium like watercolour is the polar opposite. It’s meditative and helps me reset.
Are you inspired by certain themes, ideas, and locations?
Aside from being directly influenced by my local environment, I will often turn to history when in need of inspiration. William Morris and the Arts and Crafts Movement more generally is a fountain of inspiration for botanical patterns and motifs. I really enjoy Chinoiserie design, especially the fabulous hand-painted wallpapers that are so busy with plants and wildlife. More recently I have been inspired by the ancient Roman frescoes and wall paintings I saw on a recent trip to Italy.
Which inspiring people would you most like to have dinner with any why?
Anyone who has a side hustle, and who has made a drastic mid-life career change to follow their passion. Especially if they are parents. The struggle to juggle is real!
Did you study art?
The high-school I attended had a specialist art program which I was part of through to year 12. After graduation I studied Commerce at Uni but quickly lost interest and veered back onto a more creative pathway, studying a Bachelor of Design at Billy Blue in Sydney.
What are you currently working on?
I work full time as a Digital / UX designer at SBS, and The Tawny Frogmouth mag keeps me busy out of office hours. The goal moving forward is to start widening my portfolio of illustration work, and sharing more of what I create.
How can people support your art?
If you’d like to see more of my work, check out my Instagram @mrsfrogmouth and if you’d like to work with me please send me an email at quyen@thetawnyfrogmouth.com.au
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Are you an artist local to the Northern Beaches and want to be featured in the Tawny Frogmouth? Email mail@thetawnyfrogmouth.com.au