Artist: Libby Watkins

Meet Sydney artist and fashion and textile designer, Libby Watkins, who captures island dreaming in her limited edition pieces that take you to a world far, far away.

Q&A

Tell us about your yourself?

I’ll skip to the good parts – I am an artist, I would say I am probably most of the time powered by coffee and the old vitamin- sea, nothing beats the salt on your skin. Everything I create is from my own island oasis, Island Paradiso and everyone is invited…

Where are you based?

I am a Northern Beaches based artist, Inspired by my local surrounds here on the Beaches. We are so lucky to have some of the best beaches and waterways in Australia. I love exploring on the surf or in the flat side of the peninsula on my paddle board.

How would you describe your creative style and mediums used?

I would say I am known for a particular style – but I am a total rule breaker, if I find I am drawn to a medium I will push the boundaries for what that medium is typically used for and take it to a new place whilst honouring the integrity of that medium. I love a fresh spin or look in something, for example, how I create art with linen.

How did you begin your career?

Sitting on the beach watching the waves crash on shore and run back away, I feel like I had escaped the world and all its worries, I wanted others to have this joy and experience being lost in a resort with no worries! The thought of that gave me such a thrill. Using my paintbrush I create these inspired oasis stories it was such as simple inspiration and I really wanted people to connect with that feeling. I had the opportunity to do this full time, so I turned this into a full time business. I wanted to put my style into the resort lifestyle, and I have expanded the brand Libby Watkins to now include homewares and resort wear now! SO fun!

Who and what inspires you?

Every day when I go to bed, when my head hits that pillow – I make sure I did everything that day I possibly could to share PARADISO with the world!!!

What do you love about your work?

EVERYTHING!! It’s a licence to create and evolve every second I am in work mode! I get such a thrill for finding a reason to give YOU an excuse to join me on island PARADISO – which is most of the time! There are so many ways to introduce Paradiso through different applications such as art, home wares, murals or wallpaper, the creativity is endless. It lets me cater for many variables of artistic licence giving everyone an inclusive way to experience on whatever budget or style they may have the world of Paradiso. We have really nailed the Paradiso experience and it’s been very well received. I love my work mode ON time as much as my off time – when I am with Dash my seven month old son I love being present and switching off with him and enjoying his perspective on the world. I have been so busy creating junior Paradiso experiences now that it’s all relative! It is so much FUN!