Blunt reveals its latest limited edition umbrella and collaboration with Tofino-based Kiwi artist Lizzie Snow.
Lizzie Snow (aka fortyonehundred) is best known for creating contemporary explorations of the mandala and free-flowing artworks.
Now one of her artworks feature on a beautiful umbrella – Blunt’s latest limited edition release.
With more than 111,000 followers on Instagram it’s safe to say Snow, 24, is making an impact with her chosen artform.
“I am inspired by fractals in nature – the ever-repeating patterns found throughout our universe,” says Snow. “Fractals are the shape of randomness – chaotic patterns that are characterised by scaling and self-similarity. Fractals are the very essence of our DNA, nature, time and space. Think of the patterns in our nerves and lungs, our brain’s neurons, of snowflakes, leaf veins, branching trees, flowing rivers, coastal edges, lightning bolts, galaxy formations, everything natural in our universe.”
Once you start noticing these patterns, they start showing up everywhere, reminding us of the connection between the pattern of our skin to that of tree bark, to the make-up of our social systems and so forth, she explains.
“Fractal patterning allows us to visualise the unbreakable and immense interconnection between humans and nature. A fusion of art, science, mathematics and humans.”
Each day she spends time learning, observing, thinking and creating, which enables her art to continue to evolve and grow through this passion and interest.
Some of her works take several hundred hours, so it has taught her patience throughout the process.
“It’s a productive meditation, getting into the flow state. The thing that has helped me most in developing who I am as an artist today is patience-practice-perseverance. Vision. Hard work. Gratitude,” says Snow.
The Canadian-born Kiwi currently calls Tofino in British Colombia, home.
The beach-resort town sits on a peninsula covered in a temperate rainforest and home to wildlife including orca, wolves, bears, mountain lions and eagles.
“I was born in Canada, then went back to New Zealand with my New Zealand family when I was newborn. So, I am a Kiwi through and through, with a special link to Canada,” she explains.
After finishing studying at Victoria University in Wellington NZ, she felt that moving to North America would be a good next step in her career.
Collaboration is a favourite part of her practice. Brands she’s worked with include Lululemon, Peugeot, Whittaker’s and Converse. She also supports non-profit organisations through her work, including YouthLine, InsideOut, Wellington’s Women’s Refuge and ClayoquotCleanUp.
Creating an umbrella with Blunt has been a dream of hers. “I almost…kind of knew it would happen one day as I manifested this dream and goal every day. So, when I woke up to an out-of-the-blue email from Blunt you can imagine how excited I was! … They are a brilliant brand that I’m honoured to be working with,” says Snow.
And as much she loves to travel and work on exciting collaborations, true happiness for Snow is creating in the studio with her dog George snoozing beside her, after they’ve walked the beach and soaked in the nature that surrounds them. That, and yoga, good coffee, family and friends.
“These are the foundations of my happiness and purpose, which then allow me to fully experience and appreciate all of the ups and downs that life brings,” says Snow.
Blunt’s latest limited-edition model available to pre-order online from April 21.
