*Image:* *Oat Studio* *Photographer* *Jenny Wu*

Welcoming Sarah from Oat Studio in our latest TGD Friends Q+A!

hello! welcome to the TGD friends series! can you tell us what it is you create?

I design and manufacture textiles for interiors, including linens for a range of applications - drapery, cushions, upholstery, commercial fabrics and wall-coverings. Our textiles and wall-coverings are printed locally in both Australia and New Zealand.

how would you describe your style?

Oh gosh, I’m inspired by a number of historical artistic styles so this is a tricky one, but overall I would say electric, warm and natural; a few words that come to mind.

share with us a bit about your journey and how you got started.

I have always gravitated towards a creative path; from school age painting and photography, through university where I studied Art History. Once I landed my first job in the trade distribution of the most beautiful European textiles for interiors, I’ve been captivated with linen and textile design and never looked back. After the birth of our second child, I wanted to start doing something personally creative again and this led to exploration of architecture which has always been a love of mine, through photography, sketching and painting. Naturally, being in the textile industry, it felt quite organic to transfer these artworks into repeats and see them come to life on linen.

what’s one of your favourite moments in your creative career so far?

I would say there hasn’t been one main moment, instead many highlights along the way - these for me would have to be when I see my work installed in homes. For someone to have chosen to upholster or wallpaper their personal spaces in a design I created is always a pinch me moment… the feeling never gets old!

who are the designers/creatives inspiring you right now?

I am ever inspired by the masters and the depiction of light through chiaroscuro which has led to my personal exploration of the light and shadows of architecture and the warm tones throughout my work. I am also constantly in awe of so many amazing creatives we have here in Aus, Tamsin Johnson, Hana Hakim (The Stella Creative) and Lillie Thompson to name a few.

describe to us your perfect day.

This starts with a coffee and a cuddle with my three little ones. Followed by a swim or walk and heading into the studio. I am a bit of a list writer and love getting things ticked off so I would go through all admin before finishing the day with painting and music. I also love to cook, so the perfect day would have to end with a glass of red while I cook and enjoy a meal with the family.

Thank you so much for joining us!

Check out the beautiful textiles from Sarah at Oat Studio here.

All images courtesy of Oat Studio. Photographer: Jenny Wu

Oat Studio

Amanda Jones

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