Unpacking The Past

From Childhood Dreams to Artistic Reality

Clearing out a loved one's home after they've gone is an incredibly bittersweet experience. It's a task filled with poignant moments, as every item holds a memory, a story, and echoes of a life lived. Recently, I've been navigating this very journey along with my siblings while going through my late mum's house, and although it's hard to not feel the sadness, there's been moments of laughter with a nostalgic trip down memory lane.

Sifting through the many pointless possessions I've kept all these years, I've found some absolute gems and prized possessions from my childhood. Little notes to and from my mum, photos I thought were long gone and I've laughed out loud at my old poems. And surprisingly, I've reminisced happily over my old school artwork. For years, these had been tucked away, out of sight, and out of mind. I honestly hadn't been able to bring myself to look at them for a long time, and I had excuse after excuse for not tackling this pile sooner...sorry mum. The emotions my old school artwork unearthed had been too overwhelming and upsetting in the past for various reasons.

But as I began to unroll old dog eared and creased pieces of paper, and dust off old sketchbooks to uncover the creations from my formative years, something shifted. It was like reconnecting with a younger version of me - the little artist, the cheeky curious child, the dreamer with big hopes. Seeing the thick graphic lines of early drawings, the rebellious bold blocks of colour, and the silly, funny comics and characters I brought to life in the back of my old school French books brought a surprising sense of healing for me.

It wasn't just the art, but rediscovering my favourite little treasures, my well loved toys, my collections of football stickers and scented erasers. Each item sparked a memory and a forgotten moment of joy. This trip through my past, guided by these little pieces of my history, has been profoundly therapeutic. It’s a powerful reminder of where my passion for creating began and how those early sparks still fuel my art today.

This process has reinforced for me the enduring power of art, not only to create something for others but also to connect us to our own stories, to heal, and to remind us of who we are and it's never too late to chase your dreams.

In business, we often get asked about our 'Why'...and my simple answer is, I owe this to 7 year old me.

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Art Deco at 100

by Lidia Ranns • 17 February 2025

As an artist, I'm constantly searching for inspiration, a spark to ignite my creativity. And as we continue into 2025, the centenary of Art Deco, I find myself reflecting on how this style has influenced my own work. I've always been drawn to the bold lines, geometric shapes, and luxurious details of this iconic movement, but it's not just a nostalgic fascination. Art Deco has influenced my own practice, both as a graphic designer by breaking down visual communication in the simplest of ways, and as an artist particularly with my use of flat colour in my 'Bygone Days' series. For those unfamiliar, Art Deco emerged in the 1920s, a reaction against the perceived excesses of Art Nouveau. It was a celebration of modernity, technology, and optimism, reflecting the rapid advancements of the era. Think of the Chrysler Building's iconic spire, the glamorous travel posters, or the sleek curves of a Bugatti – all typical examples of Art Deco's distinctive style. So what is it about Art Deco that captivates me? And how does it translate into my flat colour art? The Power of Simplicity and Boldness Art Deco embraces simplification. While intricate details exist, they are often grounded in strong geometric forms and clean lines. This resonates deeply with my own design philosophy. I strive to break subjects down to their essential shapes and forms, using flat, unmodulated colours to create striking visual statements. Art Deco taught me that boldness doesn't necessarily require complexity. A Celebration of Colour Art Deco was anything but shy with its colour palette. From the rich jewel tones of emerald green and sapphire blue to the luxurious golds and silvers, the movement embraced vibrant hues to evoke a sense of luxury and sophistication. This has influenced my own colour choices immensely. I'm drawn to palettes that are both bold and harmonious, using colour to define shapes, create depth, and evoke specific moods. The Allure of Optimism and Progress Beyond its visual aesthetic, Art Deco embodied a spirit of optimism and progress in an era of innovation and a belief in a brighter future. This optimistic outlook is something I strive to inject into my own work. I want my art to evoke a sense of joy, possibility, and a connection to something larger than ourselves. The clean lines and vibrant colours of Art Deco serve as a reminder of the enduring power of hope. 2025 and Beyond I'm excited to see how this iconic movement will be celebrated and reinterpreted. For me, it's an opportunity to deepen my understanding of its influence and continue to explore its principles in my own practice, with both my art and my design work. It's a timeless source of inspiration. Its bold aesthetic, continues to resonate with artists and designers today. I'm excited to continue exploring the ways in which Art Deco can inspire and inform my art, allowing me to create work that is both visually striking and deeply meaningful in my own unique style.