A Girl called Meredith ...

Im really excited to be featuring Australian artist Meredith Gaston on the blog today!
I shared some of Meredith's gorgeous illustrations on the blog a couple of years ago when I bought a darling cook book 'She's leaving home' , that Meredith had illustrated.

I simply adore her art work - the playfulness and uplifting, happy colours make me smile!
Meredith's first book 'Tucked In: For everyone having a Donna day'  ( I heart it!) was published by Penguin in 2011 and its so exciting that Meredith has a new book
'101 Moments of Joy and Inspiration' coming out this October.  It will be a book of Illustrated moments to colour your world and brighten your days! The perfect Christmas gift!


Welcome Meredith!!
Can you tell us what is currently inspiring you? 
Reading brand new and interesting things about the nature of positive thinking; spring blossoms, and exploring new colours, music, recipes and bush-walks. 

Name 3 things you couldn't live without right now? 

Tea, my favourite brushes and my beloved!  

Can you define to us, your personal style? 

I would say that I am free spirited and eclectic in my taste.

I follow my heart, often find simplicity best, and love colour, warmth and beautiful textures. In terms of art I love nativity, whimsy and thoughtfulness.

I love Chagall, Cy Twombly and Melbourne artist Mirka Mora.

In terms of fashion I love comfort, grace and femininity. My favourite label is Joie and biggest shopping vice:  ShopBop

In terms of music I love old soul and jazz, lofty electronic music and world beats alike. I'm listening to Aretha Franklin, Indian lounge, and Amina Alaoui. 

In terms of food I love to eat earthy, natural and delicious. My favourite foodie blogs are
My New Roots (Sarah Britton) and Supercharged Food (Lee Holmes).

In terms of my lifestyle, I love a quieter, freer life up here in The Blue Mountains. Plenty of nature, peace and quiet, genuine people and starry nights. 

page from 'Tucked In', Lantern, Penguin, 2011 

page from '101 Moments of Joy and Inspiration'

Do you have a Favourite colour or colour combinations?
Although often thought to clash, I love pink and red together! Particularly when watercolouring. 

What about a Favourite Smell or Fragrance? 

I love the smell of daphne in our garden come early spring. I also love the smells of rosemary, jasmine and lavender. We visited a beautiful lavender farm down near Daylesford in Victoria last year and it felt like heaven on earth! 

What do you love about your City/Town? 

I love the wonderful views, the fresh air; the lack of traffic, hustle and bustle.
I love the big old trees, the majestic cliffs, the way the enormity of nature puts everything into perspective and the caring nature of the mountain community. 

Do you have a favourite quote you\d like to share with us?

I love Oscar Wilde's wealth of wisdom: 'To love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance'.
It makes me want to be kind to myself and others, to live a full and exciting life,
and to take joyful responsibility for my wellbeing, my peace and my happiness. 

To see more of Meredith's beautiful artwork head on over to her gorgeous website 
and connect with her on Facebook too!

Meredith also directs an online gallery, Kindergallery specialising in fine Artwork for Children where you can find Meredith''s beautiful work as well as other stunning pieces from other wonderful
artists from around our globe!

Thanks so much Meredith!