We’ve had so many questions about the artwork that appeared on the cover of our current issue, which is hanging in the home of Ilona Zieltjens (@mamoesjka_nl). The print, entitled ‘Girl 1’ is the work of Spanish artist Marta Abad Blay, and we have fallen a little bit in love with her distinctive style. We caught up with Marta to find out a little more about her work….
Image: @mamoesjka_nl
Image: @mamoesjka_nl
91: What is the inspiration behind your series of Girl illustrations?
Marta: I cannot stop drawing girls right now. It is like I cannot stop it. 🙂 My work is very organic and I try not to think about it too much. When I think too much then I don’t produce something I really like. With this series, I was very inspired by children’s drawings; I see my daughter Mia painting and I really admire her process – without thinking, without judging. So I have tried to do the same when I am painting these girls. 🙂
Image: @martabadblay
Image: @martabadblay
91: What is your working process? How do you come up with your gorgeous colour combinations?
My working process is completely organic. The colour combinations came about without any planning or preparation. This was actually intentional – I tried not to plan it, plus I don’t follow any trends. I just paint what I like to do.
91: How does it make you feel to see your work featured in lots of beautiful homes on Instagram? Does this help with selling your work?
It is an honour for me to receive such a great response to my work. And, yes, it has really helped to sell my work. It is a way to see my products in different places and atmospheres.
Image: @magdalenad
Image: @teamtonkin
91: How can people get hold of one of your original artworks? Do you take commissions?
Yes I do take commissions, just write to me at [email protected]. I have also original pieces for sale in my online shop.
Favourite independent shop: Stockholm store Beton – also online at Betonstudios.com
Favourite Instagram account: Melissa Tonkin – @teamtonkin and Ilona Zieltjens – @mamoesjka_nl
Favourite designer/maker: Japanese artist Mogu Takahashi @mogutakahashi
Favourite city: Amsterdam
Favourite book or magazine: Apartamento
Image: @mamoesjka_nl
Thanks so much Marta! So there you have it, the artist behind that eye-catching print on our S/S 18 cover! You can order direct from Marta on her website, or UK online store Grey September have recently started stocking some of her work.
