Getting to know Chloe Croft

Chloe with some of her work

When it comes to finding a beautiful, vibrant piece of art or cushion for your home, any one of Chloe Croft’s masterpieces could fit the bill. Her work is made from scalpel-cut paper and the resulting images are as intricate as they are striking. She has translated these designs into a fantastic range of prints, canvasses and cushions and we are very proud to have her on board at mydeco.com. We recently caught up with Chloe and put a few questions to her about her work, life and inspirations.

What first led you to create images with strips of paper rather than, say, a pencil or brush?

I think any creative person’s world is mainly visual and I see images as colours and spaces. I think it stems from doing fashion drawings for ten years or so (I did a fashion degree and a fashion masters degree at the RCA) where you break images into constructions -which is how I do my pieces. I feel more comfortable ‘painting’ this way as it allows me to use colour in a way that I don’t think you can achieve with paint, it’s definite and committed: if I’m not bold it doesn’t work and I kind of like that pressure.

What made you take the leap from fashion to interiors?

Thats a funny one, I think being creative is sometimes hard to pigeon hole. I absolutely loved fashion and designing clothes but there are often industry trends and boundaries that I found quite restrictive. When I do my artwork I feel really free and just make pieces that I couldn’t find and would really love to have in my house.

Loving Budgies cushion

You obviously have a love of, and are inspired by animals – flamingos seem to be a particular favourite. What is it about them that appeals to you?

I love all animals and I give a percentage of my sales to WWF and am looking to do a series of endangered animals to help raise awareness. Flamingos are so fascinating as they are rather ethereal and their natural colourings are so intense. They are a wonderful animal to recreate.

We know that you’re also available for private commissions, what has been your most interesting work to date?

I love doing commissions as I am always pushed out of my comfort zone. I have done many interesting and incredibly diverse pieces including chinese dragons, landscapes, dinosaurs as well as many stunning horses, dogs etc. I’d love to do a life-size horse soon!

Archie limited edition print

Apart from creating your work, do you have any ‘crafty’ hobbies or interests?

Not massively as everything creative seems to come back to and be reflected in my work! I’ve always subconsciously gathered information and then I see it in my work.

If you could sum up your home in three words, what would they be?

Elegant, bespoke, vibrant.

Flamingo and Flowers original

What is your most prized possession?

Can I have two? My sewing machine (it has seemingly started every idea in my life) and my medical scalpels to do my artwork.

People might not know that you are also a renowned fashion and wardrobe stylist. How do you balance your different work?

That is always a hard one, I’ve done fashion and wardrobe for years and really enjoy the totally different lifestyle it brings and I also love the ying and yang of my work life. It is tough to juggle sometimes but it’s always great to be busy, I’m much happier working than relaxing!

You can shop for all of our Chloe Croft pieces here at mydeco.com.