Meet the Artist
We caught up with Sheree Smith, the artist behind Penny Lane in our FW2425 Collection of prints, Flow State. Her lively and colorful approach to painting, along with her vibrant palettes bring our team so much joy and we couldn't wait to hear more about her process and the inspiration behind them!
Tell us a little bit about yourself!
I live in Jervis Bay, on the beautiful South Coast of NSW, Australia with my husband, two kids and a healthy indoor plant obsession! I have always loved art and being creative. Whether it was sewing, making or decorating, I always loved being busy with my hands and playing around with colour.
At school, art was my favourite subject and when hubby and I purchased our first home, I made art to fill our blank walls. Adult life, work and then kids came along, putting any creative aspirations I had on hold. I started painting again at the beginning of 2021, to carve out some time for myself, as a means of self-care and personal growth.
My career has exposed me to vicarious trauma, working with people with complex needs. My art practice has become a mindfulness exercise for me, a form of art therapy.
After a mentally draining day at work, I enjoy exploring the simplicity of repetitive mark-making, each time capturing a moment in time. The repetitive nature of the strokes acts like a meditative process for me, where I can switch off my brain, quieten my mind and just be present in the moment. My paintings represent lines of experiences, adventures and explorations that are etched into our memories. I enjoy working with colours that bring me joy, that are uplifting and full of happiness- a juxtaposition to the horrible things I experience in my day job.
What does "Flow State" mean to you?
I often find myself entering a 'flow state' when I create. In those moments, my mind quiets, and time seems to slip away as I immerse myself in the paint and the creative process. Although I'm not a runner, I liken this experience to the rhythm a runner finds while putting one foot in front of the other or a swimmer gliding through laps in the pool.
What about this collaboration with Skida excites you?
I love the outdoors and I love bushwalking and exploring new places. I am most happy when out in nature and I was so excited to be able to work with a brand with such great values and ethos. I so thrilled with how the collection has come together!
What were some of your inspirations for this print design?
I love lines and repetitive patterns. I love the simplicity of shapes and forms. I like neat and I like structure, I'm not a messy person by nature. I gain inspiration from fabrics, from sewing and the natural environment too. The bush out my back window, the trees standing tall in lines. From our beautiful Jervis Bay beaches nearby, the repetitive nature of the waves washing up onto the beach and the rocks with the interesting line patterns, worn over time. Last year I travelled around Australia with my family and I was full to the brim of inspiration from this beautiful country - the colours from the desert, the rock formations, and the ocean - truly breathtaking!
Can you share one piece of advice for others looking to develop their own creativity?
Explore a variety of creative outlets until you discover what truly ignites your passion! I’ve experimented with many forms of creativity over the years—cooking, music, art, sewing, and gardening, to name a few. Embrace each experience and pay attention to what makes you feel most alive. You might be surprised at what resonates with you!