When I started South Island Art 10 years ago, I wanted a way to hold on to memories of places I loved. Art was the perfect vehicle for this - using colour and shape, I could express the feeling and moment of being in that place. From the vibrant hum of city centres to the breeze of a sunny coastal walk to dappled sunlight in botanical gardens, here are the 10 destinations that have shaped my art the most.
The destinations at a glance:
- London
- Canary Islands
- Vancouver
- Singapore
- Sydney
- London Parks
- Kew Gardens
- Northumberland & Tyne & Wear
- Kent Coast
- Sri Lanka
London, UK
My home city, with its contrasts and ever-changing nature, exudes inspiration and constantly sparks my curiosity. It’s hustling and bustling, yet there are also pockets of peace to be found.
Iconic London: Much of my London art showcases the South Bank, from Battersea Power Station to Tower Bridge, featuring the city's skyline and landmarks. A walk along the river, whether it’s a rainy, moody day where the skyscrapers disappear into the clouds, or blazing sunshine with the chatter and thrum of heaving street food bars and stalls, always brings something fresh to discover.
Hidden gem: The City of London's quieter nature at weekends gives you space to observe its stark architectural contrasts, which are fascinating. The City is full of tiny, old churches nestled amongst the towering glass and steel - you’ll be surprised at just how many there are to find.
Bring the energy of London into your home: To celebrate South Island Art’s 10th birthday, I’ve updated my bestselling London, I Love You in two new colourways. Both Iconic London at Night and Iconic London Days bring the hum and dynamism of the city into our living rooms. Energy and excitement are mirrored by bright spots of berry pinks, tangerine and warm yellow. The deep midnight indigos of London at Night suit a cosy space like a bedroom, whilst the uplifting sky blues of Iconic London Days would work well in a dining or living area.
The Canary Islands, Spain
I fell head over heels for the hospitality, the warm climate and the breathtaking volcanic landscapes of the Canary Islands. Fuerteventura, Lanzarote and Tenerife have all left an imprint on my art through colour, shape and texture.
Iconic Canaries:
Papagayo, Lanzarote, for a curved cove, sparkling turquoise waters with sand so unbelievably soft and sheltered by dramatic cliffs.
Cesar Manrique’s Jardín de Cactus (Lanzarote) is a must-visit, a perfect example of his ability to blend nature, tourism and architecture. So many mesmerising shapes and textures, colours that both stand out and blend into the horizon - zesty hues of cacti, with the earthy tones of walls and terraces that merge into the mountains beyond.
For those otherworldly landscapes, Isla de Los Lobos (a day trip from Corralejo, Fuerteventura). Venture into the island along the gravelly paths. You’ll discover the beauty and wonder of nature, wildlife that thrives, and plants endemic to the island, leaving you with a sense of awe at what can grow in such seemingly harsh terrain.
Hidden gem: From watching the sun disappear into the sea at Costa Adeje, Tenerife or waking every morning in Corralejo, Fuerteventura, to see it rise from the sea, the warm glow of the sun streaking the sky in a multitude of oranges, peaches and soft blues left me feeling renewed and grounded each time.
Bring the Canaries into your home: Sunset over the Mountains is inspired by the rugged, volcanic landscapes, and The Secret Cove is influenced by dramatic coastline like Papagayo. The warm, coppery tones in both create a sense of groundedness, whilst the soothing blues of The Secret Cove or nurturing peachy hues make these pieces particularly suited for relaxing living spaces.
Vancouver
I loved the friendliness and openness of Vancouver, with its diverse scenery and focus on enjoying nature and the outdoors.
Iconic Vancouver: Stanley Park & Granville Public Market.
Strolling through the incredibly peaceful Stanley Park was a calming journey through a variety of landscapes and natural colours that encompass Vancouver. From the misty blue greys of lakes and mountain backdrops, to deep forest greens and almondy-hued beaches, you could easily forget you were in a city.
Get a ferry to Granville Island for shopping from artisan makers and a food market. It’s a lovely place to walk around and investigate, buzzing with creativity and lively colour.
Hidden gem: Discovering art in surprising places adds to the city's playfulness. An unexpected delight was stumbling across an installation by my favourite artist, Dale Chihuly. Although in a private building (1200 W.Georgia), the large, floral sculpture is suspended in a case that can be viewed by the public from the road.
The Botanist Bar in the Fairmont Hotel has delicious cocktails. If you’re lucky enough to be seated in the Taschen Bar, you’ll be surrounded by art and stunning Taschen books. Have a wander around the public lobby areas whilst you’re there - so much colourful art to see.
Bring Vancouver into your home: Iconic Vancouver blends the cool blues of mountains and lakes with refreshing woodland greens and fun-loving tones of yellow, purple and red. Anchored in nature with a cheery, playful side, it’s welcoming in a hallway. And in a home office, it strikes a balance between focus and creativity.
Singapore
Much of my childhood was spent in Singapore, so it’s no surprise that after London, it is probably the destination that has had the most influence on my art. That influence is visible in many ways, from colours - always leaning towards palettes with a vibrant, slightly tropical feel - to the rich layering of textures and shapes.
Iconic Singapore: With its vision for being a ‘City in a Garden’, two of my favourite places are Gardens by the Bay and the Botanic Gardens (UNESCO Heritage Site). They are serene havens filled with every shade of green you could imagine, from vivid, citrusy lime to shimmering emerald to deep rainforest green. Planting that showcases beautiful, bold colours that sing against the greens, restorative and joyful at the same time.
Hidden gem: There are so many neighbourhoods to discover, each with a unique identity. During my last visit, we stayed on the edge of Kampong Gelam, full of colour and creativity, trendy restaurants and cafes tucked in heritage buildings and narrow streets. This is the place to shop independent and step into a world brimming with art, culture and heritage and like pretty much everywhere in Singapore, unforgettable food.
Bringing a flavour of Singapore into our homes: Contemporary urban meets lush greenery - my two Singapore illustrations represent both aspects of the country. Marina Bay Sands adds a dazzling, global finish to a room, whilst The Boardwalk adds a taste of warm climates - think palm trees swaying in a gentle breeze - to reinvigorate your spirit.
Sydney
I remember poring over travel books, mesmerised by images of Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge against blue skies. Whilst on our trip, those famous skies only made brief appearances, yet the city still inspired a wealth of drawings.
Iconic Sydney: Sydney Harbour Bridge & Opera House - seeing these landmarks in person was a bucket-list moment for me. It felt amazing to finally view the architecture up close, to see the detailing on the Opera House and the steel arch of the bridge.
Hidden gem: Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk. Curving in and out along the eastern Sydney coastline, the walk alone provided masses of inspiration for my prints and homeware. As well as being inspired by tranquil expanses of sandy beaches and jaw-dropping vistas against cloudless sky blues and endless deep blue ocean, I found the creamy and earthy colours in the layers of sandstone cliffs fascinating.
Bringing Sydney into our homes: For the laid-back feel of the Sydney coastline, Bondi Beach’s gentle palette of mint greens and soft yellows echoes the light sea breeze, creating a relaxing atmosphere ideal for a bedroom. Clifftop Homes, with bright fuchsia-pink accents, has an endless summery feel, invigorating a living space.
And the quintessential landmark of the city, Sydney Opera House, with its layers of textures and deep ocean blues punctuated by sunshine yellow and contemporary pink, evokes the liveliness of the city.
London Parks
Parks in London needed their own category, with a dedicated collection! Over the last decade, I have loved being within walking distance of different South London commons. These places have instilled a sense of balance and stability.
Iconic Parks: The Royal Parks of Greenwich and Regent’s Park, with huge, grassy green open spaces, gorgeous planted areas and hypnotic views of the London skyline.
Hidden gem: South London commons, from Tooting Bec Common to Wandsworth Common and The Rookery at the top of Streatham Common. They’ve been a refuge from everyday stresses and challenges, a place to be inquisitive and quietly observe seasonal changes from floral and foliage colours rotating through a cycle of pastel, bold, muted and calm to wildlife visitors.
Bringing the outdoors into our homes: The Seasons in the Common series blends seasonal changes across a single landscape. Warm and restful colours echo nature’s gentle caress, leaving the viewer an impression of comfort, balance and renewal. Hang it on a living room or bedroom wall for a restful, cosy atmosphere, or place it in a hallway for a warm, welcoming feel.
Kew Gardens
Kew Gardens has a magical quality for me. Each season brings something new to see, especially the colours. Pinks from icy to cerise in the rhododendron dell in late spring; regal purples and blues of delphiniums, sweetly scented roses in delicate peaches to showstopping pink and purple in the summer, great borders teeming with flowers and humming bees. The oranges and russets of the giant trees along the vistas in Autumn. Several colour palettes have started with a moment in Kew.
Iconic Kew: Palm House with its towering palms - stepping through the doors is like walking into a humid rainforest, full of deep greens. A safe space for rare and threatened plants from all regions of the world, I love seeing the different shapes and structures, from delicate flowers to spiky foliage.
Hidden gem: If open, follow the woodland walk. The soft, shaded cover of the natural woodland, with its leafy emerald and olive-green canopies, has an instant restorative effect. Once we even spotted a deer!
Bringing Kew Gardens into our homes: Ease the stresses of workdays in a home office or create a tranquil space in a bedroom with Kew Gardens, in timeless and serene dusky tones of early evening light, or Waterlily House with its fresh and invigorating colours.
Northumberland & Tyne & Wear
What I love about the North-East coastline is the drama of the landscape. Sharp, edgy clifftops with striking silhouettes of castle ruins perched on them against soft, expansive sandy beaches. Even the skies are spectacular - moody, angry greys to hazy blues, you’ll experience it all. As soon as I’m out on the coast, breathing in that salty sea air, I feel relaxed.
Iconic North Tyneside: Walking along the coast of North Tyneside has a bit of everything - green grassy parkland, historic stone monuments and stunning oat-coloured sandy beaches. The icy-cold sea continually changes colour depending on the sunlight - sometimes silvery grey, sometimes a hint of green.
Hidden gem: Druridge Bay Country Park with three miles of beach, lake, dunes and meadows to explore. A windy, overcast day made for a bracing walk, with the wind blowing right through you. So many different shades of blue and grey in the sea and sky - dark and atmospheric to gentle, tinged with the palest yellow and blue.
Bringing the coast into our homes: Windy Day was one of my earliest pieces. Crisp lines of misty greys and cool blues have a fresh and reviving effect, especially against a neutral decor scheme.
The Kent Coast
Trips to the Kent coast have been the perfect day out from London - easy to get to by train, with fresh sea air and a complete change of scenery instantly refreshing.
Iconic Kent Coast: Whitstable. With its row upon row of beach houses in all kinds of happy colours, a walk along Tankerton Beach has an immediate feel-good effect. Whether sparkling in the sunshine, or watching the skies change as rainclouds drift in, to mesmerising sunsets and the hypnotic sound of gentle waves, it’s a beautiful, cosy place to spend the day.
Hidden gem: Margate, playful and refreshing with its ice-cream coloured shopfronts and plenty of independent coffee shops, bars and restaurants. This seaside town was the inspiration for my fun and joyful ice-cream colour palette.
Bringing the Kent coast into our homes: Playful pastels or enchanting sunset - both Margate, I Love You and Whitstable bring the warmth of the sun in different ways. Sunny summer days or long summer evenings, they instil a sense of optimism and warmth.
Sri Lanka
A tiny teardrop island overflowing with hospitality, history and nature. Our last visit, a family tour taking in different sights around the island, was filled with exhilarating experiences. I felt in awe of, as well as anchored by, nature. There were so many colours and moments to soak up. Misty mountains in dusty blues, hill plantations in jungle greens, ancient and sacred sites in earthy terracottas, buildings painted in dusky colours in pink, blue and turquoise. Marine blues, sea greens and aquamarines of the Indian Ocean change from coast to coast and time of year.
Iconic Sri Lanka: Sigiriya - Lion Rock, UNESCO heritage site. Ancient fortress and Royal Palace (dating back to the 5th century) with centuries-old, original frescoes about halfway up. And if you’re able to climb to the summit via a series of staircases by the paws of a giant lion carved into the rock, the 360-degree views of the landscape below stretching out as far as you can see, towns nestled amongst dense forest and jungle, are ones you’ll never forget.
Hidden gem: Kaudulla National Park and seeing herds of wild elephants going about their day is an experience I will treasure forever. During our safari, we saw crocodiles, chameleons, lizards, a giant hornet's nest, water buffalo, pelicans, peacocks (and all kinds of birds!), and elephant herds. The matriarch of the herd (you could hear the sound of her stomping out of the jungle and into the clearing well before you could see her) ensured jeeps didn’t come too near the herd - it was absolutely jaw-dropping to watch her and see her so close.
There are 22 national parks across the island to choose from - not just Yala. The parks are becoming increasingly crowded - hopefully, visitor numbers will be controlled to protect wildlife and improve the visitor experience.
Bringing Sri Lanka into our homes: Elephant Safari balances wonder and curiosity with a sense of groundedness. A feeling of being rooted in wildlife and nature permeates the piece through calming grass and jungle greens, and tranquil powder blues create a relaxing atmosphere.
Continuing the journey
Looking back on these ten years, I hope that through my art, the vibrancy of a bustling city, the magic of sparkling oceans or the serenity of being in nature can find a place in your home, sparking conversations over dinner and igniting your own memories.
Thank you for being part of this decade-long journey. Your support of independent art helps me to keep exploring, sketching, and bringing these stories to life for you. Here’s to the next ten years of adventure—both the grand, global kind and the quiet, captivating moments right where we are.
To celebrate my 10th anniversary, I’ve curated a special ‘Anniversary Collection’ featuring my favourite prints from these 10 destinations. Browse the collection here and find the piece that speaks of your most-loved adventures.