Fleur Woods’ floral work is strikingly beautiful. The contrast of soft muted colours and deep shades first caught my eye but I realised on closer inspection that it’s the hand stitched details that just make everything pop. I saw Fleur’s print range in person earlier this year, and it’s the sort of work you just want to touch – so layered and intricate. If I were to own any of Fleur Woods’ work, it would be the sort of piece I’d want to pass on to my children in years to come.
Could you tell us a bit about your background and the path that led to your current artistic endeavours?
Art has always been part of my life, my parents both worked in the corporate world but always had a strong interest in the arts. My Dad practised as an architect for 20+ years and we were the family who visited the art gallery on holidays, which I feel definitely gifted me a love of contemporary art. We also travelled and moved a lot while I was growing up, spending a chunk of time in Asia before moving to New Zealand and so there is definitely some subconscious connection to the incredible traditional crafts I witnessed. I’m mostly self taught, especially in relation to my current process and I feel like there is an element of ‘meant to be’ about my current artistic life as my grandmothers and great-grandmothers were creative people who painted, stitched and made beautiful things – I guess it’s in the blood! Currently I live in a rural paradise – Mount Moutere – at the top of the South Island of New Zealand with my two beautiful girls (aged 7 & 9) and my super supportive husband, plus a menagerie of animals.
What inspires you to create your art?
Nature! I love it, feel like I am my most authentic self at home and in bliss when I’m surrounded by it and when I make art about it that is full circle goodness for me!
Where would we be likely to see your artwork?
You can find my work on Instagram at @fleurwoodsart and online via Greenhouse Interiors. I also have some wonderful stockists scattered around Australia and New Zealand.
Can you tell us one of your favourite artists?
Gah…there’s so many! One that springs to mind is Clare Celeste Borsch, her collage and installation work is incredible.
Describe your dream home and location.
A farm house in rural New Zealand, not too far from the beach, sea views, wrap-around verandahs, painted a pale pink with lots of roses in the garden.
Do you have artwork displayed in your home? What kind?
Yes, a really eclectic mix of prints, originals, photography and objects. My grandmother’s cross stitch sits alongside framed paintings by the kids and contemporary illustrations and paintings. I love hanging objects on the walls; necklaces, ceramics, weavings, baskets and trays.
Name one item in your home that you could not do without.
Our fireplace! Our house is little and it heats the whole space in winter – I love it.
Do you have artwork displayed in your home? What kind?
Yes, a really eclectic mix of prints, originals, photography and objects. My grandmother’s cross stitch sits alongside framed paintings by the kids and contemporary illustrations and paintings. I love hanging objects on the walls; necklaces, ceramics, weavings, baskets and trays.
Name one item in your home that you could not do without.
Our fireplace! Our house is little and it heats the whole space in winter – I love it.
When you’re not creating masterpieces, where would we find you?
It’s rare not to be working at the moment so when I’m not, it’s family time in the garden, going for a walk or just chilling; closely followed by sneaking away for a glass of something lovely with my girlfriends.
