A Discussion on Creative Workspaces and Fashion Illustration with Artist Siobhan Olivia
Working from home presents different realities for an artist. Whether you require optimal natural light, a painter's work area, or a practical room to account for messes (like when a woodworker cuts, or when a florist is pruning), a multi-functional space with systems in place will allow for a good work/life balance.
Fashion illustrator, Siobhan Olivia does a few exciting things in her west end Toronto loft. Being a watercolour artist and working for fine jewelry line Mejuri, we were curious to have a discussion on how she has navigated a work-from-home space. One that would lend itself to the various roles she switches to and from throughout the course of a day — including personal time. This, and some insight into Siobhan’s approach to fashion illustration and how florals find their way into her work.
Siobhan at home.
What qualities were you looking for in a home in Toronto?
I have always had my eyes on loft-style living ever since I can remember. My partner and I finally found the perfect space that has a multi-level floor plan and the openness we were looking for. The biggest plus side to our space is the tall floor to ceiling windows that pour in natural light! It really livens the space up.
As a visual artist how do you keep a fluid WFH space?
It is currently a work in progress. My art space is integrated into my work-from-home space for my job, which allows me to switch easily between both without having to move locations and to get things set up. This makes a huge difference when there is minimal effort involved!
Having home and work under one roof, the effortless flow and momentum while working especially for a creative task, can sometimes turn into a convoluted atmosphere. Kinfolk chatted with architects Delcy Morelos and Gabriel Sierra about what works for them in their home:
Accepting the inescapability of an artist’s never-ending work cycle, they also chose to integrate a workspace into their home: Gabriel has a room inside the apartment for smaller projects like drawing and model-making, and Delcy has a larger studio on the ground floor of the building for her projects. When they need a break, the artists journey out from the facade of their unassuming dark brick building for a walk in the vibrant city center. But they also enjoy spending a lot of time simply pondering and relaxing at home.
- Kinfolk
What bits of fashion inspire you the most when deciding on what to create next?
I gain a lot of inspiration from Instagram. I see which Jacquemus bags are trending, and all of the Diptyque candles in the background of images and I go from there. I enjoy the realness of IG content vs a fashion ad or editorial.
Art and Interiors by Siobhan Barrie, The Lorenzo Vase Set
What is your take on the popularity of florals in fashion? How does this seep into your work if at all?
Florals have always been one of my favourite subjects to paint, so incorporating them with fashion-related drawings comes super naturally. I love how they can be so messy in an illustration but still so pretty?
Has painting had any effect on your personal well-being before and especially now during a time of reclusion?
100%, and it has been really positive. Before, I never found the time to paint and to be creative. I would come home from work drained wanting to just relax, but I have found time in the mornings and evenings now that I’m home. I love to create during those in-between moments, and I often find myself sketching during my lunch hour! I finally started posting enough art which received lots of positive feedback, making me comfortable enough to launch my own website.