Olivia Lucy was an Instagram find. Having seen Elaine of Studio 1850 acquire one of her Water series monotypes, I immediately purchased one for myself. I loved the power of the water and although the sea looks turbulent it reminded me of the gentle rocking you feel when you're in an anchored boat.
Olivia's work is led by traditional and tactile processes, primarily with paper and print. Inspired by a love of travel and her observations of the natural world, especially the coastline. When Olivia isn't creating art, she is designing coffee table books. She also lives in a van in South Cornwall, which is pretty extraordinary.
What does a typical day look like for you?
I have recently moved into a shared studio space here in Cornwall, so my day has changed slightly to a more sociable/stricter working day! I say ‘working day’ lightly though, as I feel very lucky to work to my own schedule.
After I’ve made a smoothie for breakfast, I’ll walk from the van down the hill to the studio and begin some admin, a print order or work-in-progress on a book design project. Back to the van for lunch in the sun (or to hide from the Cornish rain) and pick up where I left off in the afternoon. During the Summer I’d often finish my day with a dip at one of the local beaches. I’m not quite ready to let that go yet!
Where’s your dream escape destination?
Last year I was lucky enough to spend some time in Scotland in the Autumn. If I could jump in a travel machine, I’d do anything to whizz back there for a quiet afternoon, parked up by rolling orange hills with no one else around. To go a bit more exotic, I’m desperate to go to India, or do a road trip down through South America.
Whats your vice?
Cookbooks. Maybe as its part of my job I excuse it as research, but I have hoards of them, just to look at and admire - rarely do I actually cook from them.
What are you listening to at the moment?
If I’m printing I’ll always stick a podcast on in the background. BBC Radio 4 are currently reading the audio book of Sally Rooney’s recently published book which has an Irish actor with a really soothing voice reading. Robert Macflarlane's Desert Island Discs is also a great listen. Or if I fancy a dance around my printing table its usually Elton John.
What’s your favourite thing to eat?
I really love Summer evenings, so the idea of a delicious light Summer-y salad feast, or maybe a BBQ on the beach, is perfect to me. I recently went to New Yard restaurant in Helston, Cornwall, and that might be the best food I’ve ever eaten. I’ve realised I’m not too fussy about what I eat if the company is great.
What are you most curious about?
The underwater world. The fact that there are all these species living below us in the depths of the ocean that we couldn’t even get close to, it’s so magical, I love it.
What’s the most memorable piece of advice you’ve received?
My Nanna says ‘if in doubt, go without’ - she is referring to a jumper or jacket she has found in a charity shop, but I think it's more relevant now than ever! To buy once and buy well.
What are your top 3 items at CARO?
- I unsurprisingly have to say Caro’s beautiful selection of books is up there. Jessica Elliott Dennison’s ‘Lazy Baking’ may be my top.
- CARO chocolate – Juniper and Raspbery Dark Chocolate
- Selection of wooden Kitchen utensils. Everyday essentials!
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