Upper Moutere based artist Fleur Woods is known for her bright mixed media works. Her sweet disposition and spunky personality match the vibrancy found in her artworks. We popped into her home studio while visiting the Nelson area a few months back. She has been working on a series titled ' The Fate Series' where she explores the idea of loving your fate. Read on to get to know the artist a bit more and see what life is like at her studio.

How long have you been creating? Has it always been in this medium?

15 ish years…but it feels like always. In the past 8 years I have been devoted to mixed media. My favourites & therefore most regularly used materials include Indian Ink, gold leaf, spray paint, stitching and acrylic paint.

Who do you look to or how do you find your inspiration?

Generally speaking I am inspired by our incredible natural environment & my desire to communicate it’s value.

My studio is nestled into a rambling country garden and it’s location definitely keeps me connected with & inspired by nature.

Rosemary McLeod’s book Thrift to Fantasy inspired me to begin stitching into my work as a way of celebrating the folk craft of 30’s – 50’s.

Music. Particularly of the Indie-Folk variety. I always have music playing when I’m in the studio.

The internet, books, magazines all fuel my research.

Often it (inspiration) just kind of exists, it’s not always a conscious thing, until it ends up in an art work and becomes conscious.

If you could plan your perfect day what would it consist of from start to finish?

Breakfast in bed (Coffee & French Toast) followed by a lazy beach/bush wander with my family. Time in my studio. Dinner & drinks with dear friends at home. Dancing to live music. Cuppa…Bed.

What is your favourite meal and who would prepare it for you?

It’s tough to pick just one! Don’t think cake quite qualifies as a ‘meal’.

Probably a seafood platter with a local Chardonnay prepared by my husband who’s an amazing cook.

If you were to be an animal which one would you be?

Definitely a bird. I’ve always wanted to be able to sing beautifully & I am scared of flying, it’d be cool not to be.