Poppy BH
At The Ode To we are always curious to learn more about creativity and artistry, so we asked London-based artist Poppy BH to tell us a little bit about her life, her art and her sources of inspiration.
What do you call your series of artworks?
– Little ones.
What technique have you used?
– Oil pastel and pen on paper.
What inspired you to create the artworks you have made for The Ode To?
– I started drawing small drawings in 2021 in response to an open call that asked for small artworks. I then found that this format really suited my work and life at the time. I was moving around a lot and juggling different jobs, so to be able to create pieces in one sitting was really important to me. I haven't really stopped since then and these artworks are part of one of my latest collections of drawings – within these, I always seem to branch across subjects from still life and food to landscape.
Can you tell us about your background and how you came to be an artist?
– I grew up on a farm in quite a remote part of Northern Ireland. We were always encouraged to be outside, exploring or making things. I think that confidence in experimenting has always stuck with me. Later, I studied English Literature at University and have worked many different jobs, however, drawing has never been something I've been able to leave behind. It's a bit like a form of exercise for me now, I don't really know what I would do without it.
How would you describe your art and aesthetics in three words?
– Colourful, playful, characterful.
What other artists do you admire?
– I really admire David Shrigley as he manages to simultaneously incorporate humour and profundity into his work whilst also working across a variety of mediums. That is something I aspire to do.
What we love about Poppy BH:
Tiny paintings supersized with charm; the artworks that Poppy BH creates are simply impossible to resist.
