Artist Interview: The Grizzly Peasants

The Grizzly Peasants is a whimsical label based in Auckland, Jasmine who is the lady behind it is inspired by nature and all things natural. We love her cosy knits and wooden buttons!

How long have you been doing your craft? 7 wonderful years.

How did you get started? My parents encouraged me to be as creative as I liked and allowed most of my school work to focus on creating.

Describe what you create? Handicraft for the everyday ruffian... which is a kind of vibe I weave into hats, sketches, books, paintings, banners, stationery...

What inspires you? Nature and the classics (the work of Arthur Rackham) etc.

 
What are your favourite materials to use? Tree branches for buttons, tea for paper, fallen leaves for fairy journals... they inform my work in a very natural way.

What would you say is your biggest achievement to date? I love giving what I make away to people. My first book and only edition was hand made, written and illustrated, then given to my cousin Michelle. This is the joy of creating. I've sold paintings for $1200 in cafe's at 15 years old but nothing compares to crafting something wonderful and giving it away.

Do you have any future plans for your work? I am working on a series of seven books, all woven around a series of woodland characters. Along side of this, I intend to continue my paintings, knitted hats (from wool my great Aunt sheers and spins for me) and anything that hits my fancy on a given blustery afternoon.
 
Where are your favourite places on-line? Etsy.com

What kind of music do you enjoy listening to while you work, if any? Fleetfoxes, Bon Iver, Joanna Newsom.

If you could go back in time and give on piece of advice to yourself when you started, what would it be? I started when I was 12 so I'm happy about that.

What do you enjoy doing when you aren't busy making your wares? Playing guitar, enjoying mon fam by the fire.