Artist Highlight: Janine Rewell

We are excited to introduce our first artist, Janine Rewell, the designer behind our first two patterns, Still Smiling and Keep It Wavy Baby. Rewell was entering the parenting world while we created our brand-- Freestyle. Over a couple deep conversations with her, Rewell knew exactly what patterns she wanted to design. Working together just made sense! In Rewell's artwork, you will see an organic geometry, the unexpected perfection of nature, and the reality of parenthood.

Get to know a little more about Janine Rewell with our personal interview:

WHAT DOES ART MEAN TO YOU?
"Art reflects on society and traces the moods that are not visible in other ways. It can make a feeling in the air into authentic reality. Art, design, architecture, statues, flags, and other visuals in the society build the joint cultural environment, diversity, and identity. All the personal visual choices help us visualize our school of thought to ourselves and find others alike."

HOW DO YOU MANAGE A WORK-MOM-LIFE BALANCE AS AN ARTIST?
"I'm still learning it, and it gets easier. When I am at work, I'm much more effective than before; There is no possibility for all-nighters as I need all the sleep I can get, so I need to schedule my work time well. I work worldwide, so my clients are in all time zones. That gives some flexibility to my days, as time is of the essence.

I love these massive windows in my studio overlooking a park. Seeing the light and nature is essential for me. It calms me down whenever I'm stressed out or unable to focus at work."

WHAT MOTIVATES YOU TO CREATE?
"It's like magic to shape this joint reality by your own creations. It's an amazing feeling to have something imaginary in your head and be able to know how to make it real."

DID YOU ALWAYS WANT TO BE A MOTHER?
"No, I was always undecided. Always pondering if it was worth everything you have to give up; your body, your sleep, your independency – the list goes on forever. I never felt drawn to the family life that I saw around me, and it was difficult to imagine that a baby would make our life better for anyone. 

After I got two cats, I started to get the hang of it, and the scale started tilting towards the decision. My partner was always sure that he wanted to have kids and promised to take on the lion's share so that I could return to work whenever I felt ready for it. It has worked so well, and I feel so blessed that I have a partner who wanted to be a home daddy; In Finland, the babies are typically home with the parent for the first 1-1,5 years before taking any full-time nannies or pre-schools."

HOW DO YOU TEACH/EXPLORE ART IN YOUR HOUSE?
"At the moment, I'm hand-painting a unique wallpaper/ mural in my kid's room. I'm a little worried if she'll grow up thinking that it's okay to draw on the walls."

HOW HAS YOUR STYLE CHANGED OVER TIME?
"15 years ago, when I started illustrating, my style was very angular and geometric. Slowly it has become more fluid and soft, just like my personality and body :D."