Amelia’s Magazine | An interview with illustrator Petra Börner

EMMA Jane Austen Petra borner
I have long admired the work of Swedish born illustrator Petra Börner, who brilliantly mixes Scandinavian and Arts and Crafts influences to create a style all her own. Her book cover for Emma by Jane Austen (artwork above) is nominated for the 2012 V&A illustration awards so I thought I’d find out what makes her tick. Be very inspired…

Petra Borner -studio
Petra Borner -studio
You have a very distinctive style – what are your greatest influences?
I still draw inspiration from objects and books I’ve collected since I was a teenager, books on school posters and photographic references on anatomy and plants and DIY books form the 70’s.
I like studying LP covers, especially ‘classical’ ones and browsing antique shops and I like drawing in public and from life.
I’ve been taught to be hands-on and ‘do’ from my family and I’ve learnt creative skills from my mother.
I like work by Max Ernst, Niki De Saint Phalle, Carl Johan De Geer and Katja of Sweden.
 
Petra Borner -studio
How long did it take you to come up with your look – was it a gradual process or were you always attracted to working in this way? 
I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t really into drawing and making things.
It’s taken me a roundabout way to get to a place where drawing is central and a means to living though.
I suppose it’s good to pack many things in your bag along the way.
A friend of mine sent me a drawing I did when I was 18 and it looks just like my current work – that was quite shocking!
 
Petra Borner -studio
You trained as a fashion designer and had your own label until 2004 – why did you decide that your heart was in illustration and was it a hard decision to make? Any regrets?
It wasn’t a very hard choice to make at all.
I’ve always wanted to be an artist and my experience from the fashion helped build my drive.
I had quite a few tough and interesting years creating my label with partner Tove Johansson, but it felt right to finally focus on my goal.
In fashion I felt like a cowboy, a strange fish in a big pond!
 
Petra Borner -studio
Petra Borner -field print for Cacherel SS 2007
Petra Borner – field print for Cacharel SS 2007

In terms of moving across industries, did you have to develop a new set of contacts for illustration or was there a lot of crossover?
I’d illustrated a little for magazines parallel to my work in fashion, so I had a few contacts.
But generally, I had to start a fresh and it took a while to generate an interest.
With a fashion angle I broadened my chances and managed to bridge fashion and illustration into an interesting mix of commissions.
 
Petra Borner -studio
You’ve been based in London since 1994 – what brought you here and what keeps you here?
I came here to study Fashion whilst improving my English during a one- year foundation course.
It turned out to be an intense and exciting year leading onto a degree in Fashion at Central St Martins and my London roots grew deeper.
I lived in NY for a while which was great fun, but I seldom contemplate moving anywhere else now.
Having family ties here and in Sweden at times makes for an ambivalent longing for ‘home’.
London always keeps me on my toes.
 
Petra Borner -studio
Petra Borner -partridge bowl for Seto Seikei
Petra Borner – partridge bowl for Seto Seikei.

When you are working on illustration in a decorative capacity (on 3D objects etc.) what has been your favorite project to date? And why?
It’s amazing to be able to work on projects with open briefs, but with technical support to maximize the result.
I often wish I had more knowledge and skills of many crafts to increase the level of intricacy and open possibilities within a project, but sometimes it’s good not to know all the limitations before you start.
Collaborating with Studiothomson, Clements Ribeiro, Bally, Aquascutum, Seto Seikei and Jonathan Adler has also been interesting.
 
Petra Borner -studio
Petra Borner -gift box for systemet
Petra Borner – gift box for Systemet.

If we were to take a peek inside your inspiration library what would we find?
Books, paper scraps, comic books, postcards and photocopies on arts and crafts, design, pottery, folklore, nature, portraits, travelling and maps,  anatomy, animals, foods and eating, antiques, DIY books, interior design and architecture, rubbings and sculpture.
 
THE_LOVER petra borner
You have illustrated lots of book covers – which was the best book you had to read for a job?
I love ‘The Lover’ by Marguerite Duras.
 
How do you balance looking after a toddler with work? You are incredibly busy!
She’s managing me.
 
Petra Borner -summer papercut for Harper Collins
Petra Borner – summer papercut for Harper Collins.

Your logo adopts your father’s signature – do you come from a creative family and if so what do they do?
On my mums side of the family there is an army of hands on, inspiring creativity, a well of skills within all sorts of arts and crafts.
My father’s side holds many in a row of painters, a photographer and a composer.
Most of the paintings are portraits, still life’s and scenes from the sea, as we come from an island.
Most of my family members prosper academically and save their creativity for relaxation.
 
Petra Borner -studio
Petra Borner -greetings card for Habitat
Petra Borner – greetings card for Habitat.

Can you tell us about your new product range in collaboration with Studiothomson, aimed at encouraging writing and correspondence?
I’ve always been a keen letter writer and as a teenager I’d spend hours decorating envelops before posting them.
I like the time and thought that goes into handwritten letters and though it it’s ‘out-of-date’ as soon as it’s posted, it ‘s magical to receive them.
We are currently developing the prototypes for a range of bold products, which will make staying in touch with your friends a treat.
We are launching the collection early autumn 2012.
 
Petra Borner -studio
What kind of imagery can we expect in your new range of hand tufted fair trade rugs for the Design Museum?
This is an early collaboration and my designs are in the making.
The project is directed by Chris Haughton for Design Museum and involves a group of artists including Sanna Annukka, Donna Wilson, Jon Klassen and Neasden Control Centre, so the rugs should be a striking collection!
The limited edition rugs will be handmade in Nepal according to Fair Trade regulations and will be on display at the Design Museum this autumn.
 
Petra Borner -studio
You are also writing your own book about collectables – tell us more! What do you collect?
This is exciting!
Having been a keen flea-marketeer and collector since I was five, I am now in contrast ruthless about what I keep.
What I’ve kept has a real value (to me!) and I am assembling these objects into a journey of sorts.
 
Petra Borner -studio
Finally and not least you are nominated for the V&A illustration awards, and the winners will be announced tonight – what inspired the Emma artwork?
The first ideas for the cover of ‘Emma’ by Jane Austen, was sketched in the V&A.
I aimed to create a bold and lush interpretation of the novel in contrast to it often soft and feminine covers.
I decided to let her hand symbolize elements of the story.

Petra Borner -studio
Petra Börner sells her book cover artwork and much more on big cartel – so you can own your very own piece! See what else she’s up to on her website. I hope you win tonight Petra!

Read my review of the 2011 V&A Illustration Awards here.

Categories ,Aquascutum, ,Arts and Crafts, ,Bally, ,Cacharel, ,Carl Johan De Geer, ,Chris Haughton, ,Clements Ribeiro, ,Design Museum, ,Donna Wilson, ,Fair Trade, ,fashion, ,Habitat, ,Harper Collins, ,Jon Klassen, ,Jonathan Adler, ,Katja of Sweden, ,Made by Node, ,Marguerite Duras, ,Max Ernst, ,Neasden Control Centre, ,Niki De Saint Phalle, ,Petra Borner, ,rugs, ,Sanna Annukka, ,Scandinavian, ,Seto Seikei, ,Studiothomson, ,Systemet, ,Tove Johansson, ,V&A Illustration Awards

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Amelia’s Magazine | Wood Festival 2011 Review: Zeus, Treetop Flyers Eliza Carthy and printing with lino!

Wood Festival Samba Band and Tents by Sam Parr
Wood Festival Samba Band and Tents by Sam Parr.

Sunday at Wood Festival began with a stint of harmony singing led by Katy, capsule the talented teacher of the Bennett family. It’s rare that I get to sing these days what with so much else going on in my life, price so I relished the opportunity to exercise my lungs with lots of (mainly) like-minded women.

Wood Festival 2011 - photography by Amelia Gregory
Wood Festival 2011 - photography by Amelia Gregory
Wood Festival 2011 - photography by Amelia Gregory
Wood Festival 2011 - photography by Amelia Gregory
Wood Festival 2011 - photography by Amelia Gregory
All photography by Amelia Gregory.

A noisy samba parade was the culmination of the morning’s activities, travelling the length of the site to entertain campers. At many points Wood Festival felt more like a family camp than a festival, which was no bad thing as it ensured that there was a real sense of friendliness which can often be missing at other festivals, and it felt like a safe place to leave children roaming wild in packs.

Wood Festival 2011 - photography by Amelia Gregory
Wood Festival 2011 - photography by Amelia Gregory
Wood Festival 2011 - photography by Amelia Gregory
Wood Festival 2011 - photography by Amelia Gregory
Polly and Billets Doux Wood Festival 2011 - photography by Amelia Gregory

Polly and the Billets Doux kicked off proceedings on the Wood Stage with their double bass heavy blend of jazz, gospel, country and folk. I particularly loved their painted double bass, which was passed around the band.


To Be A Fighter by Polly and the Billets Doux.

Two Fingers of Firewater Wood Festival 2011 - photography by Amelia Gregory
Two Fingers of Firewater Wood Festival 2011 - photography by Amelia Gregory
Two Fingers of Firewater took the tented Tree Stage during the lazy post lunch hour for keyboard soaked country folk.

Wood Festival 2011 - photography by Amelia Gregory
Wood Festival 2011 - photography by Amelia Gregory
Wood Festival 2011 - photography by Amelia Gregory
Wood Festival 2011 - photography by Amelia Gregory
During the afternoon my merry group of adults decided to join the kids in some lino printing: at Wood all ages muck in together which is something that happens rarely in our modern society. It was really wonderful to have the space and time to indulge in a bit of creativity.

Katy Rose Cavalry Parade Wood Festival 2011 - photography by Amelia Gregory
Katy Rose Cavalry Parade Wood Festival 2011 - photography by Amelia Gregory
Katy Rose Cavalry Parade Wood Festival 2011 - photography by Amelia Gregory
Katy Rose Cavalry Parade Wood Festival 2011 - photography by Amelia Gregory
Katy Rose and the Cavalry Parade is the newest venture for Katy B, who has renamed herself in the wake of the latest grime artist to crossover into the mainstream.

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She had warned her morning singing group that we might be asked to join her on the stage for the final number but I was off visiting the compost loo and missed the callout. Woops! Katy Rose is a super singer and songwriter who you can hear on this old youtube recording since I currently refuse to link to myspace (they won’t let you hear anything unless you log in)

Wood Festival 2011 - photography by Amelia Gregory
Wood Festival 2011 - photography by Amelia Gregory
Kettle Making by Lorna Scobie
Kettle Making by Lorna Scobie. Lots of green workshops for the kids (and adults) to attend.

Sun Powered Kettle by Lorna Scobie
Sun Powered Kettle by Lorna Scobie.

Zeus Wood Festival 2011 - photography by Amelia Gregory
Zeus Wood Festival 2011 - photography by Amelia Gregory

Canadian rockers Zeus took to the Wood Stage during the mid afternoon lull, which meant that a large part of their audience consisted of excitable children wielding hand made fake fur snakes at the foot of the stage. I’m not really sure what they thought of it all (the band, or the kids).

Wood Festival by Rebecca Strickson
Wood Festival by Rebecca Strickson.

Wood Festival 2011 - photography by Amelia Gregory
Wood Festival 2011 - photography by Amelia Gregory
Wood Festival 2011 - photography by Amelia Gregory
Wood Festival 2011 - photography by Amelia Gregory

Zeus are on the very good Arts and Crafts label. Love this video:

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Treetop Flyers by Fi Blog
Treetop Flyers by Fi Blog.

Treetop Flyers Wood Festival 2011 - photography by Amelia Gregory
Treetop Flyers Wood Festival 2011 - photography by Amelia Gregory
Treetop Flyers Wood Festival 2011 - photography by Amelia Gregory
Treetop Flyers Wood Festival 2011 - photography by Amelia Gregory

Treetop Flyers were a great evening time discovery: more tight boy harmonies in a bluesy country stylee. They won the 2011 Glastonbury Emerging Talent so expect to see a lot more of these boys. Super.

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Eliza Carthy Band Wood Festival 2011 by Michalis Christodoulou
Eliza Carthy Band Wood Festival 2011 by Michalis Christodoulou.

Last up we caught folkstrel Eliza Carthy, who was predictably quite fantastic live – switching between fiddle, guitar and voice with perfect ease and chattering away about her dad’s 70th birthday celebrations. Eliza’s new album Neptune came out in May and it’s a rollicking narrative ride through her life.

Eliza Carthy Band Wood Festival 2011 - photography by Amelia Gregory
Eliza Carthy Band Wood Festival 2011 - photography by Amelia Gregory

I was very sad to miss Robin and Joe Bennet’s band Dreaming Spires, who closed the festival as we sped back to London. By all accounts it was a perfect way to round off what was one of the most relaxing and enjoyable festivals I’ve been to in some time. After all, there aren’t many festivals where the people who run it get up on stage to remind everyone to put on suncream. Wood Festival was invented for and is undoubtedly best suited to families, but I for one hope to return, with or without children.

Eliza Carthy Band Wood Festival 2011

Don’t forget to read my reviews of Friday and Saturday at Wood Festival too. Read also this review by Matt Hanley of Green Wedge.

Categories ,art, ,Arts and Crafts, ,children, ,country, ,Dreaming Spires, ,eliza carthy, ,Fi Blog, ,folk, ,gospel, ,Green Wedge, ,jazz, ,Joe Bennett, ,Katy Rose, ,Katy Rose and the Cavalry Parade, ,Lino Cutting, ,Lorna Scobie, ,Matt Hanley, ,Michalis Christodoulou, ,Neptune, ,Polly and the Billets Doux, ,Rebecca Strickson, ,review, ,Robin Bennett, ,Sam Parr, ,Singing, ,Solar Cooking, ,Sun Powered Kettle, ,Sunday, ,Treetop Flyers, ,Two Fingers of Firewater, ,Wood Festival, ,Zeus

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Amelia’s Magazine | Wood Festival 2013 Review

Wood Festival by Ben Rothery Illustrator
Wood Festival by Ben Rothery Illustrator.

This year I was soooo looking forward to camping with our baby Snarfle at Wood Festival, my favourite family friendly small music festival in the whole world.

Wood Festival 2013-review
Sadly it was not to be. The gremlin that is teething reared it’s ugly head in dramatic fashion a few days before the festival, and I couldn’t bear the thought of dealing with incessant nighttime screaming as our induction into camping as a family: not to mention how unfair it would be to everyone around us. You know that baby that keeps you up all night on a campsite? Yup, that would have been us. So we decided to cut our losses and drive up for a day of festival time on Saturday.

wood festival wood parking
Wood Festival does everything with a big hearted ethos of responsibility: just check out the wonderful pricing system for parking fees at Braziers Park. Fortunately we are now three so I don’t feel so bad about our choice of transport! We had been worried about the weather but a grey start soon gave way to a sometimes blustery but often sunny day: perfect for camping as we dolefully noted a few times. Still, we’d made our decision, and arrived tent less.

Wood Festival 2013-kids area
Wood Festival 2013-kids area
Wood Festival 2013-kids area
This year the kids’ tent was hosted by Barefoot Books, a perfect fit for Wood Festival since they also host a cafe and community space at their main UK offices in Oxford. The friendly space featured a book stand (naturally) and plenty of areas for babies and children of all ages to hang out and play. We attended a singing session and a puppet show put on by a children’s theatre company.

Wood Festival 2013-review
Wood Festival 2013-review
Wood Festival 2013-review
There was also a book signing session, and for older kids an iFOUNDSOUND workshop with musician Dan Mayfield, where old 7 inch records were given a new lease of life as a homemade miniature record player – constructed out of cardboard, coins, a needle and goggly eyes. Yes really.

Wood Festival 2013-review
Wood Festival 2013-review
Wood Festival 2013-review
There were events going on all day in a plethora of tents and casually marked out spaces on the grass: too many to list here, and too many to attend with an irritable baby, though we did try the spoons workshop (he wasn’t feeling that, but then he wasn’t feeling much to be honest, CURSED TEETH). So instead we tanked up on delicious seasonal local organic food from Vaults & Garden and lazed about on the grass listening to music. Here’s a selection of what we heard:

Wood Festival 2013-review
Wood Festival 2013-review
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Adam Barnes is the King of Sunshine and Rainbows according to his twitter bio, but was quick to apologise for the downbeat nature of most of his songs. We enjoyed his beautiful voice and tales of woe, accompanied by only the lightest of guitar strums and keys.

House of Hats band Wood Festival 2013-review
House of Hats band Wood Festival 2013-review
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House of Hats hail from Brighton, with wonderful folk harmonies shared between the female lead vocalist and her male cohorts: the perfect thing for a relaxed festival setting. I love the artwork that accompanies their free download, why not check it out?

Wood Festival 2013-review
Wood Festival 2013-review
Flights of Helios wooed me with their woozy tunes; moody synth sounds topped off with yet another gorgeous male voice. I can’t wait to hear more from these Oxford based boys.

Wood Festival 2013-review
Wood Festival 2013-review
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In the Tree Tent I stumbled on the delicious voice of singer songwriter Liz Lawrence, who had a rapt audience hooked on her lilting tunes.

Wood Festival 2013-review
Wood Festival 2013-review
Wood Festival 2013-review co-pilgrim
It was great to hear Co-Pilgrim play live: I’m a big fan of their beguiling take on Americana – you can read more in my review of their new album here.

Wood Festival 2013-review
Wood Festival 2013-kids area
Oxford is a hot bed of creativity, and the more I discover about the wonders of this little town the more I think, hmmmm, what a nice place to live that would be. In the meantime I’ll have to content myself with the wonders of Wood Festival: the most delightful small music festival that ever there was. Why not make it your destination next year? The quality of music is always awesome, and there’s no other place I’d rather take a small baby. We look forward to a more successful visit next year.

Categories ,2013, ,7 inch, ,Adam Barnes, ,Barefoot Books, ,Ben Rothery Illustrator, ,Brazier’s Park, ,Co-pilgrim, ,Dan Mayfield, ,Flights of Helios, ,House of Hats, ,iFOUNDSOUND, ,King of Sunshine and Rainbows, ,Liz Lawrence, ,Oxford, ,Pindrop Publicity, ,review, ,Snarfle, ,Tree Tent, ,Vaults & Garden, ,Wood Festival

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