Sustainable Art

Sustainable Art: Audelia Arts

This month we spoke to artist Philippa McCrea, owner of Audelia Arts, all about the inspiration behind her art.

How did Audelia Arts start?

Like others in the pandemic, I was made redundant from my career (in my case, beauty marketing). And honestly, I was also tackling some other hurdles at that time, so I had a choice – I could either let everything get the better of me or I could take control of the situation and make the most of a fabulous opportunity, which is what I decided to do. I grabbed a piece of paper and a stick of charcoal and my love for drawing (after ten years of being buried deep beneath the corporate world and my London life) was reignited. So I threw myself into it, and to my delight I realised that people loved my work, which encouraged me to set up Audelia Arts. The name Audelia means ‘noble strength’. Drawing on my own experiences I found that art gave me exactly that. Offering me a positive focus and an inner strength, and in turn, inspiring me to build a business that I hope can do the same for others.

What inspires you to make a piece – and what’s your process to a finished product?

The truth is, it’s hard to pinpoint one particular thing as I find it all around me! (No, it’s not Love Actually 2.0!) My style is ever-evolving given that I’m at the early stages of my artistic journey. I thoroughly enjoy experimenting with different styles and techniques as I navigate my way through discovering what feels the most natural but also fulfilling (otherwise what’s the point, hey?!)

Something that remains unchanged is my urge and compulsion to transform the inspiration that I find into a work of art. And until I’ve done that I genuinely just can’t let it go. My current obsession is a more abstract look and feel as it’s less restricted and precise and it gives me the sense of freedom which entirely reflects my personality, so watch this space and come follow me on Insta to be a part of my journey!

What’s your favourite part of your business – creating the prints or working with a client on a commission and why?

Oh, good question! Making art for myself is liberating and the process of learning, evolving and being able to find my personal style brings me so much joy in a way that nothing else has done for a long time. It’s an incredible journey and one that I don’t want to rush the process of.

“ I could either let everything get the better of me or I could take control of the situation”

Saying that, working to a brief is a very interesting process and provides so much reward. One of the things I love the most is the reaction I get from my finished pieces. I’ve could take control received lots of happy tears over commissions that I’ve worked on and it’s magical to know that my work has evoked such genuine emotions, and for me, that’s entirely the point!

I love your series on dancers – but is there anything else that you’re working on at the moment that you just love?

I’m working on some private commissions at the moment for people’s weddings which is a true privilege, and I’m also working on a new series of abstract pieces, still figurative as this is the main focus of my art, but more paint, more abstract, and basically just more mess and more fun!

Is there anything you would like to continue the voice on?

Be kind.

Be kind to others but importantly, be kind to yourself. It’s crucial to stop and take time to focus on you. My happiest moments are when I sit and lose myself in creating a piece of art. Honestly, I can say that’s when I find myself the most content and at a true sense of inner peace.

No matter your situation, I believe that art can bring everyone positivity and enhance their lives, so if you are reading this and feel you need to take your mind off things, pick up a paintbrush or a stick of charcoal and just let it all out!

You can find Philippa and Audelia Arts on Instagram and her shop. Audelia Arts has created an exclusive print just for our readers - click here to buy it!

Interview by Grace Balfour-Harle