Jennifer Orkin Lewis, Ronaldo Wiltshire
and Lucie de Moyencourt tell us about
the places that inspire them most...
A Tale of
Three Countries
Whether strolling sandy shores or meandering the colourful markets of Marrakesh, travel is certifiably good for the soul, and it's one of the things stirring our excitement this sunshine season.
Three artists who know a thing or two about enviable destinations are Jennifer Orkin Lewis, Ronaldo Wiltshire and Lucie de Moyencourt. Despite all living in different corners of the world – and honing different crafts – there's one profound bond they share: a pride for the far-flung places they call home.
From the colourful coastlines of Cape Town to the sparkling seas of Barbados and buzzing streets of New York, we caught up with the Anthro collaborators to talk surroundings that inspire them most (plus insider tips on what to do if you're ever in the neighbourhood!).
Lucie de Moyencourt
Three artists who know a thing or two about enviable destinations are Jennifer Orkin Lewis, Ronaldo Wiltshire and Lucie de Moyencourt. Despite all living in different corners of the world – and honing different crafts – there's one profound bond they share: a pride for the far-flung places they call home.
From the colourful coastlines of Cape Town to the sparkling seas of Barbados and buzzing streets of New York, we caught up with the Anthro collaborators to talk surroundings that inspire them most (plus insider tips on what to do if you're ever in the neighbourhood!).
Lucie de Moyencourt
Shaped like scallop shells and decorated with hand-painted lines – South African-based artist Lucie de Moyencourt's latest collection is inspired by mystical mermaids and the ocean's mysteries. And just as spellbinding as her work? The city where she grew up...
"Cape Town is the most beautiful city! A triple threat. We're surrounded by mountains, greenery and sea. It's a very creative city with a huge mix of people.
What I love most about the coast is the fact that you never know what you’ll find there. What has washed up today? I love looking at different natural shapes and variations. We grew up by the sea going to my grandparents seaside shack on the Indian Ocean. We had no electricity and I’d spend all day exploring rock pools and looking for shells."
Where to Go & What to Do
"Go for a drive along the epic peninsula heading for Boulders Beach in Simonstown. You'll leave the city, round around the mountain to Camps Bay, over the iconic Chapmans Peak Drive (where they shoot all the car commercials because it's that scenic!), towards Boulders Beach.
"The water is warmer and there are cute penguins that swim around you! You can finish off with a fish and chips at the Salty Sea Dog in the harbour."
Ronaldo Wiltshire
"Cape Town is the most beautiful city! A triple threat. We're surrounded by mountains, greenery and sea. It's a very creative city with a huge mix of people.
What I love most about the coast is the fact that you never know what you’ll find there. What has washed up today? I love looking at different natural shapes and variations. We grew up by the sea going to my grandparents seaside shack on the Indian Ocean. We had no electricity and I’d spend all day exploring rock pools and looking for shells."
Where to Go & What to Do
"Go for a drive along the epic peninsula heading for Boulders Beach in Simonstown. You'll leave the city, round around the mountain to Camps Bay, over the iconic Chapmans Peak Drive (where they shoot all the car commercials because it's that scenic!), towards Boulders Beach.
"The water is warmer and there are cute penguins that swim around you! You can finish off with a fish and chips at the Salty Sea Dog in the harbour."
Ronaldo Wiltshire
Growing up as the son of two potters, Ronaldo Wiltshire seemed destined to fall in love with the craft. By the age of fifteen, he became highly involved in the production at his Father's workshop in Barbados. It wasn't until he started using clay as a form of physiotherapy that Motions of Clay came to fruition.
"I’ve come to the realisation that I tend to draw inspiration from personal experiences. Positive as well as negative have helped to shape the way I express my creativity," says Ronaldo.
"Moving between London and Barbados as a child meant that I gained lots of memories of both places, but the life I lived in Barbados and my memories from there seem like a dream.
Sunday's at my grandmother’s house would always start with me and my cousins attending church service. After eating we would all take a walk down the hill to the beach. We would stop and stuff our faces with every fruit we passed on the way."
Where to Go & What to Do
"If you’re travelling to Barbados, a journey to my hometown Sturges St. Thomas is a must. The area is often called ‘the heart of Barbados’. There’s Welchman Hall Gully which is full of exotic plants and Barbados’ legendary Green Monkey, Harrison's Cave a true underground gem, and Hamilton’s Pottery which is my dad’s pottery studio – all located five minutes walk from each other."
Jennifer Orkin Lewis
"I’ve come to the realisation that I tend to draw inspiration from personal experiences. Positive as well as negative have helped to shape the way I express my creativity," says Ronaldo.
"Moving between London and Barbados as a child meant that I gained lots of memories of both places, but the life I lived in Barbados and my memories from there seem like a dream.
Sunday's at my grandmother’s house would always start with me and my cousins attending church service. After eating we would all take a walk down the hill to the beach. We would stop and stuff our faces with every fruit we passed on the way."
Where to Go & What to Do
"If you’re travelling to Barbados, a journey to my hometown Sturges St. Thomas is a must. The area is often called ‘the heart of Barbados’. There’s Welchman Hall Gully which is full of exotic plants and Barbados’ legendary Green Monkey, Harrison's Cave a true underground gem, and Hamilton’s Pottery which is my dad’s pottery studio – all located five minutes walk from each other."
Jennifer Orkin Lewis
In her attic studio just outside of NYC, Lewis (also known as August Wren) creates sketchbook paintings that evoke the warmth, wonder, and whimsy of her day-to-day. Though drawn to the serenity of the sea this collection, you'll often find her surrounded by hustle and bustle.
"I live in New York in a charming little house north of the city. I grew up, and have lived here, my entire life. Most of my family lives here too, and I love to be near them all.
One of my favourite hobbies is sitting in the park and sketching. People are such a constant source of inspiration. It could anything that sparks my imagination, from the flowers on someone's window box to the charm of a passing dog and its owner. Wherever I am, I love to incorporate what’s around me, even fleetingly."
Where to Go & What to Do
"There are lots of wonderful galleries to explore on the west side of New York. Try taking a walk down the highline (it gets crowded in good weather but it's a special place!).
As for Rhode Island, the RISD museum is a gem. I love spending time in the countryside and beaches such as Little Compton, Narraganset, and a ferry ride to Block Island."
"I live in New York in a charming little house north of the city. I grew up, and have lived here, my entire life. Most of my family lives here too, and I love to be near them all.
One of my favourite hobbies is sitting in the park and sketching. People are such a constant source of inspiration. It could anything that sparks my imagination, from the flowers on someone's window box to the charm of a passing dog and its owner. Wherever I am, I love to incorporate what’s around me, even fleetingly."
Where to Go & What to Do
"There are lots of wonderful galleries to explore on the west side of New York. Try taking a walk down the highline (it gets crowded in good weather but it's a special place!).
As for Rhode Island, the RISD museum is a gem. I love spending time in the countryside and beaches such as Little Compton, Narraganset, and a ferry ride to Block Island."