Why collage?
I love the way collage is a process of bringing together an array of inspirations, ideas, and textures to create something entirely new. By stitching a variety of materials, I can be detailed in the way I communicate a theme or idea and tell a layered and emotive story. Then, of course, there is the process of how I got to the finished piece through collecting, gathering, and being a bit of a magpie. There are often hidden meanings that aren’t even visible to me since so much of what is included has its own tale to tell whether it’s an old luggage tag or snippet of vintage textiles. They are portals you want to explore so they can be quite elaborate and evocative—I think of them as visual feasts.
Where do you find inspiration?
Life is made up of small things as well as the grand—that’s why I love collage so much. I find joy in things that might otherwise have been discarded or dismissed as they are what provide the depth and color to life. The themes I tend to choose often play on that idea of faded ideologies and experiences. I suppose I’m quite nostalgic.
Favorite place you’ve traveled?
Lamu Island in Kenya. Apart from being incredibly beautiful, the island is rich in culture and heritage. I left bursting with inspiration. My favorite place to stay is Peponi Hotel, where at night you can watch the start of the moon’s journey up from the horizon into the night’s sky. The design and architecture of the hotel are so sensitive and beautifully executed to reflect the magic of the island itself.
London versus New York?
Whenever I’m back in London, I love strolling along the Little Venice canals, which is always such a treat. If the weather is nice, I will stop at the Tollhouse for lunch and watch the ebb and flow of the canal pass me by. In New York, I always have fresh flowers at home from Joy’s Flower Pot, which does such creative arrangements. Of course, I can’t forget the jewel of upper midtown, the Whitby Hotel. Having assisted Kit in the design and installation of this remarkable hotel, it was the gateway to my life in New York, where I moved to set up Kit’s stateside studio.
Photography by Simon Brown
