Each month, we are privileged to work with artists from all over the world. Their unique styles and points of view make for an especially diverse sense of inspiration in the art that arrives in our monthly Holstee Membership. From Los Angeles, California to Barcelona, Spain and everywhere in between, each piece of art is a true collector's piece.

Image credit: Tatanja Ross

The artist to help us bring our theme of Kinship to life is Carla McRae, a Melbourne based illustrator. Her drawings pull together a blank space with clean lines, geometric shapes and strong color. Carla’s work is known for depicting open narratives inspired by the beauty of everyday moments, small gestures, and simple pleasures.

For a little more about what inspired this artwork, her process, and her life, here's a short Q&A:

Where is home for you?

I live and work in Melbourne, Australia. I love Melbourne and have lived here for the last 7 years. I grew up in a coastal town in Queensland and that will always feel like my home too. 

What is your definition of a successful life?

Having love and work criss-cross and overlap - making work that is meaningful and satisfying, to nurture and be nurtured, and in a larger sense, letting the scales tip into the positive always. 

Image credit: Tatanja Ross

Describe your perfect day.

Hmm, there are so many different kinds of perfect days. I think, for me, it is less about the things I’m doing and more about the feeling I get from doing those things. I love a day when my mind is clear, I’m feeling positive and time bends a little. This could mean a whole day where I’m working on a project and am in that worm-hole flow-state all day long, painting or drawing, listening to music and really feeling excited and content about what I’m working on. Or it could mean a day completely away from the desk, hanging with my friends or my boyfriend with not much to do at all - reading, drinking beers in the sunshine, just enjoying each others’ company and letting the day roll on forever. 

How did you get into design?

I’ve loved drawing for as long as I can remember - looking and making has always been a filter for the way I see and process things. I studied graphic design at university, but I never really became a ‘for reals’ designer. Drawing has always been my number one and I have been lucky enough to make a living from it for the last few years! 

Image credit: Natalie Jeffcott

Where do you find inspiration?

So many places! Reading, listening to music, podcasts, and stories, going for walks and just sitting and looking. I’m really inspired by everyday stuff. Travel is really important - switching off to absorb new things for a while is massive. It all swirls together and eventually filters down to the work. The passion and energy that my friends have for their work really keeps me rolling too.

Which designers or thinkers influence/inspire you?

Tove Jansson and Dick Bruna’s work, both ethic and approach are a big comfort for me too. I find a lot of power in Brene Brown, Rebecca Solnit, Roxane Gay, and Patti Smith. I also recently ripped through Alice Rawsthorn’s new book Design as an Attitude and am feeling really inspired by her writing about ‘attitudinal design’ as an agent for positive social and political change. 

What was the inspiration behind this design?

I was thinking about the power that we get from cultivating a strong sense of kinship and connection with the people we love. This feeling that kind of takes over the body - a proud glowing, warm feeling that softens us and also makes us stronger. Everyone needs this space for unconditional, judgment-free love and connection. 

At the moment, what is your favorite…

Tove Jansson and Dick Bruna’s work, both ethic and approach are a big comfort for me too. I find a lot of power in Brene Brown, Rebecca Solnit, Roxane Gay, and Patti Smith. I also recently ripped through Alice Rawsthorn’s new book Design as an Attitude and am feeling really inspired by her writing about ‘attitudinal design’ as an agent for positive social and political change.

Color: A deep, yolky yellow

Food: Cherries (It’s summer here!)

Song: Four Tet’s remix of ‘Lose My Breath’ by Destiny’s Child

Quote: “Speak truth to bullshit” — Brene Brown