Hey all, happy Saturday to you! This morning we're getting to know artist, Helen Shadforth from Poss & Wom and Minty Baxter. Read on for glimpse into Helen's sweet, whimsical world:
How would you describe your work?
Poss & Wom is a brand I developed based on two characters, Poss
the possum and Wom the wombat. Quirky, modern Australian art for children and
adults to enjoy. It is stylish, whimsical with a humorous twist.
Minty Baxter is a pseudonym I use as my ‘designer name’. Under
this label I create prints, stationery and textiles in a variety of styles,
depending on what happens to capture my imagination. I feel my overall
aesthetic is organic, quirky and textural.
How did your Etsy shop come into being?
I opened my Poss & Wom Etsy store over 2 years ago. As a graphic
designer by trade, I found it quite a natural step. Poss and Wom are characters
that evolved in my mind as a result of motherhood – realizing there was a real
lack of beautiful Australiana, with an international appeal, for children. I
quickly came to realise this was something a lot of ‘grown ups’ were after too!
Minty Baxter is a new label just started this year. As I expanded into
textile design with Poss & Wom, I realized I wanted to dive in further and
design other projects as well as Poss & Wom. I decided to brand myself as a
designer under a pseudonym that would not limit the type of work that I do.
This label will allow me to explore more as an artist.
Who or what inspires you?
Nature is a huge inspiration. I love to use animals , plants and food
as my subjects. I also love patterns and textures.
Do you ‘reduce, reuse, recycle’ as part of your creative
process? If yes, how is your art / craft eco-friendly?
I do try to source eco-friendly materials for my work. Eco-friendly
inks, some papers (as long as it doesn’t compromise the quality), fabrics,
post-consumer envelopes, organic cotton and eco-friendly, non allergy cushion
infills.
Can you describe your studio / work area? (you can provide a pic for inclusion on blog if you wish.)
I am lucky enough to have a beautiful home studio that overlooks a
small forest with oceanviews! I have a lovely big imac that is like another
limb to me. I like to surround myself with beautiful pieces of art purchased
from other very talented artists also selling on Etsy. A hot cup of tea or
coffee is usually in arms reach!
What is your favorite thing to make?
I have only started dabbling in textile design in the last 12 months,
so right now I am obsessed with making fabric and cushions!
How did you decide on your business name?
Poss & Wom: When my first daughter was born I always used to call
her my little possum. This soon shortened to ‘Poss’. One day I was wondering
what I would have nicknamed her if she was a boy, I thought ‘wombat’.
Naturally, this would have been shortened to ‘Wom’. Voila! ‘Poss & Wom’
were born!
Minty Baxter: When I decided to brand myself I didn’t want to use my
name for several reasons, mainly because I didn’t think it sound very
‘designerish’. After weeks of brainstorming I came up with Minty Baxter. Purely
just a name I plucked from nowhere! I like it because it’s quirky and I think
it suits my work.
Where do you hope to see your creative journey taking you in the next
12 months?
I would like to further develop Minty Baxter and get my etsy store
nearly as consistent as Poss & Wom. I also plan to have more ‘grown up’
items for sale in my Poss & Wom store (like purses and bags).
What is your favourite handmade item that you have bought?
I have just purchased a Cat Rabbit alpaca, I am so excited! It hasn’t
arrived yet but I am already obsessed with it!
Where can we find you online?
