The Artist Series - Behind the Design

Gabrielle Diamantis, also known as Family Threds, first caught our attention several years ago with her intricate and stylised weavings. We previously collaborated with Gabrielle on a custom wall hanging for our Sandalwood campaign shoot and have admired her work ever since. We were thrilled to partner with her again, focusing this time on an artwork inspired by our linen shades.

Gabrielle creates her designs in her sunny studio on the Sunshine Coast, on Gubbi Gubbi Country, using a bold and earthy palette inspired by the beauty of everyday life.

For this project, Gabrielle was given a palette of Jade, Beige Gingham, Ivy Stripe, Sandalwood, and Crème. The result is the stunning piece titled "Stella," a celebration of the female form in a state of personal joy and calm. "Stella" embodies strength, tranquillity, and happiness, adding a vibrant and purposeful touch to any home.

Lauren Freestone, also known as Freestone Art, is a woman we deeply respect and admire for her beautiful work, which explores her connection to country, her family, and their deep history with the land. Growing up around creative people, with her father and grandfather inspiring her, it was only natural that Lauren picked up the brush and began exploring her own individual work.

Lauren is a proud Wiradjuri woman, creating her sublime and intricate pieces from her studio on the mid-north coast of NSW, Gumbaynggirr Country.

For this brief, Lauren was given Sandalwood, Ochre, Clay, Crème, and Blush. The result is the breathtaking "Out In The Hills," a homage to her ancestors. This piece takes you directly to country, with warm sun-washed landscapes and the magic of the hills and everything nature has to offer.

Q: Tell us how the theme of celebration is shared in your artwork.

A: I think we always want to celebrate with those closest to us and usually do something special or go somewhere special to celebrate. For me, that place is Wiradjuri Country, where my great-grandparents grew up. It’s a really special place, and that is what inspires the artwork.

Q: Working with these colours, did you find it easy to make them work together?

A: Yes, I love these colours. I use them a lot in my work—the colours of sunsets, sandstone cliffs, and the red dirt. They all blend beautifully in both the painting and with the linen.

Q: We believe that 'If You Sleep Well, You Live Well' - tell us about your night-time wind-down ritual that helps you sleep better (when you get the chance!).

A: It's such a good feeling getting a good night's sleep. My toddler doesn't often allow it, but if I get the chance to wind down before bed, I like to wash my face, moisturise, have a chamomile tea, and watch some Netflix or read.

Rikki Day is a wonderful individual who has been part of our creative circle for many years. Raised along the northern NSW coastline, Rikki spent her early years immersed in the ocean, often found somewhere between Rainbow Bay and Byron Bay. Her profound connection with the water is evident in the fluidity of her artistic creations. Although always a creative soul, Rikki didn't pursue art as a career until after becoming a mother in 2018. Since then, she has gone from strength to strength, and this collaborative piece is a new exploration of her artistic range.

Rikki works from her studio on the Northern NSW Coast, on Yugambeh Country, in a light-filled space she has curated with decorative pieces found on her travels.

For this brief, Rikki was given Indigo, Indigo Stripe, Crème, White, and Marine Blue. We were absolutely in love with the resulting "Las Flores," which is a celebration of strong female energy and the whimsical beauty of flowers that exist solely to create beauty in this world.

Q: Tell us how the theme of celebration is shared in your artwork.

A: I wanted this work to feel celebratory in an honest, grounded, and subtle way. I thought about the times I've celebrated those I love, and it's always with flowers. Giving flowers, receiving flowers, picking flowers—there’s something about the exchange of a bunch of flowers that, to me, says, "I'm proud of you. You deserve this celebration, and we will honour that celebration together."

Q: Working with these colours, did you find it easy to make them work together?

A: The colour palette was natural for me to work with. I don’t often choose to express with colour, but this palette was completely in line with who I am as an artist and as an individual. Reminiscent of the salt, sand, sky, and ocean, it was an elevated coastal selection. I’ve never lived more than 500m from the sea, so it felt homely and was a beautiful starting point for me to authentically create this work.

Q: We believe that 'If You Sleep Well, You Live Well' - tell us about your night-time wind-down ritual that helps you sleep better (when you get the chance!).

A: I would love to say my sleep is a deeply rejuvenating ritual, a cornerstone to my overall wellbeing. While I believe that to be true, right now I'm in a season of motherhood that doesn’t coexist with sleep very well. With a sweet baby girl in our bed, we don’t sleep much. However, there are a few things we routinely do to make the most of our sleep: going to bed early, leaving our phones in the kitchen, and, as staged as this may sound, always having nice linen. Oh, and I always, always make my bed first thing in the morning.