CAMILLA PERKINS: ARTIST

All photos by Alex Catt

TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF…..

I’m an artist and illustrator born and raised in East Sussex. 

My paintings explore how colour can affect memory, imagining my pieces as windows that transport the viewer back to their favourite summer holiday, feeling the salt on their skin, or into an emerald green garden bursting with life.

I mainly use vibrant oil pastels and paint combined with gestural mark-making, I try to create a dream-like word using a surreal colour palette and filled with texture. 

WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY?

I’m counting down the days until summer begins as I’m probably happiest when I’m either swimming in the sea while my daughters play on the beach, or drinking rosé in a beautiful wild garden in full bloom. I try to incorporate all of the things that make me happy into my work, my paintings will often include the flowers, fabrics and people that I love the most.

WHO IS YOUR STYLE ICON AND WHY?

I want to be Stevie Nicks in the 70s, her hair, the sheer flowing dresses, I just love her witchy vibe.

WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO AND READING AT THE MOMENT?

I actually listen to loads of audiobooks when I’m working, currently lots of Margaret Atwood books because I love the relationships between the female characters. I love podcasts like Uncanny or anything by Jon Ronson, or in contrast I listen to all the absolute trash music from when I was a teenager - for balance!

WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT SIDELINE?

I’ve been a massive fan of sideline for years! I love the beautiful fabrics and little details like patchwork and embroidery. The shapes are so wearable, I would live in all the different coloured versions of the “Heather” dress if I had the chance!

Camilla is wearing our Heather Dress in black and lilac.

You can see more of Camillas work here