Behind the Winter Collection
I recently launched my winter collection and I want to chat a bit about the process of how it came together and what inspired me.
In this collection, I really wanted to capture everything I love about winter living in Scotland; and allow others to feel that joy through these illustrations.
The way I normally start the process is sketching in my sketchbook and drawing on procreate to work out shapes, colours and how things will go together. I did a lot of research at the same time to figure out what themes I wanted to focus on, mainly looking into traditions, stories and natural phenomenon in Scotland around winter, and I found out some really wonderful things! Here are some slightly random, fun examples
In Scottish Gaelic, the winter solstice is called Oidhche nan Seachd Suipearan (meaning "The Night of the Seven Suppers") because it feels like a night so long you could have seven suppers before the sun rises again
The traditional way to first foot on Hogmanay is that the first person to cross the threshold should be a dark haired male and should bring coal, bread (shortbread/ blackbun) and whisky
Greenery was brought into the household at winter to symbolise life. Specifically, Rowan was used to ward off evil spirits and a twig was burned to clear animosities between family members, and mistletoe represented fertility for those who kissed underneath it.
Bonfire’s were lit used to mimic the sun in winter, holding back the darkness as a form of protection from the evil spirits of winter.
With some research and loose theme ideas, I started getting my ideas on to paper, literally! Here are my initial ideas and a bit of the process, I made little mini versions just to be able to see the collection as a whole on my desk and tweak where necessary.
Here are the final illustrations I went with and the inspiration behind them.
An Crann Arain -The inspiration for this little mini card came from an article I stumbled across from @naturescot where Roddy Maclean compiled Gaelic words that ‘celebrate the nature, land and heritage of Scotland in the winter season’. The card here depicts The Plough, which is known as Crann-arain, the Bakers Shovel in Gaelic. It’s a lovely translation and it made me think of those who came before us looking up at the night sky and interpreting the constellations in ways that are different to us in the modern day.
Four Seasons In A Day - I just love the unpredictability and changeability of the weather in Scotland, particularly on the west coast – although others may not agree! Watching the clouds as they move towards land, bringing with them a delightful chaos, is time well spent for me. I wanted to illustrate that feeling using a graphic and technical style that is reminiscent of the weather forecasts we commonly see in our everyday lives.
Sparkling - When I was little, one of my favourite times of the winter season was always bonfire night. Usually, we would have stovies and then venture out into the garden with popcorn, anticipating my Dad’s makeshift garden fireworks display. These memories , along with learning about how bonfires were traditionally used in the past, inspired me to create something abstract ,combing the historical use of fire and light with a modern twist.
West Highland Line - I’m a pretty frequent traveller on the Oban - Glasgow West Highland Line. Though it is often unreliable, and freezing during the winter months, I genuinely love it at this time. Every journey offers something beautiful that I’ve never noticed before, and no journey feels the same - whether its snow one day and winter blue skies the next. It’s always filled with a bit of magic for me, and I wanted to try and represent that unique experience in this illustration.
Rowan and Mistletoe - In my research, I really enjoyed the concept of bringing elements of nature into the home during the winter months as a way to cleanse and bring life into the home. I thought it would be a lovely idea to somehow represent this idea in my gifts for other people during this winter season, so what better way to do that than by incorporating it into the wrapping of a present?
Wintering - I wanted to try and capture all those small and simple pleasures that make the winter season feel so joyful and coorie, with experiences that resonate with both the past and the present, creating a sense of warmth and nostalgia during these colder months.
There were a couple of ideas that I had in mind that I didn’t have quite enough time to fully develop them as I would have liked. However, I hope that I will be able to bring these concepts to life and share them with you in future.
Here are some links to the articles and books I read that inspired and interested me along the way
https://www.nature.scot/naturescot-celebrates-winter-and-solstice-gaelic
Gaelic Proverbs - edited by Alexander Nicolson
The Coorie Home - Beth Pearson
Self Care for Winter - Suzy Reading
Thanks for taking the time to read, its my first time giving a blog a go, I hope I did ok!!
K x
