Artisan is a celebration of makers and their undiscovered skills from far and wide. Second up in our meet the makers series is the talented Alja Horvat, a Slovenian based illustrator who’s beautiful pieces are inspired by everything around her. Her style is minimal yet colourful with patterns and bright hues.
Who are your favourite artists?
David Hockney, Henri Matisse, Paul Gauguin and Josef Frank.
What inspires your pieces?
Mostly music and prints from the 60s and 70s, but I'm always also inspired by nature. I'm so lucky to live in Slovenia, because green is the prevailing colour due to extensive forests and other green areas.
When did you start selling your work?
Back in 2018, when I finished University.
Back in 2018, when I finished University.
How have you found lockdown & what have you learnt about yourself during this time?
The lockdown wasn't that difficult and different for me, because I always work from home so I'm used to it. I also don't have any co-workers, so not much changed for me. But I found it extremely difficult not being able to go out for a coffee or for a lunch and not being able to see my friends and family. I currently live in an apartment and I realised that I need a backyard asap.
What do you love about your craft?
I've always been a very creative person and have been drawing since I was very young, so being able to draw and paint as my only source of income is a dream come true. My favourite subject in primary school was Art and I couldn't wait for the Art class, and my life now is a big Art class. I love it!
Do you have a favourite piece?
It really depends on how I'm feeling at the moment, but I'm fonder of my newer works.
It really depends on how I'm feeling at the moment, but I'm fonder of my newer works.
What’s been your favourite collaboration you’ve worked on so far?
I love my recent collaboration with Barcaffe, we created a series of 6 mugs for their 50-year anniversary and people have been loving them so much! Another reason why I love this collaboration is so much that this is also a Slovenian brand with a long history, so I feel very privileged and honoured for being able to do this with them.
What else can we expect to see from you?
I’m currently working on my fashion collection and my new stationery collection and I’m so excited. I’ve always wanted to have my own fashion brand, and now I finally have resources and budget to do it.
If you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would you travel?
Los Angeles.
I’m currently working on my fashion collection and my new stationery collection and I’m so excited. I’ve always wanted to have my own fashion brand, and now I finally have resources and budget to do it.
If you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would you travel?
Los Angeles.
What is your favourite travel memory?
Everything from Los Angeles - I visited it as a part of my artist residency with Causebox and I will never forget it.
Best item you’ve picked on your travels?
The teddy bear (koala) my boyfriend won for me at the Santa Monica Pier.
What’s your favourite piece from the ARTISAN collection?
The Artisan Chunky Ring - it's gorgeous!