Introducing Florence Sweryda, an exceptionally talented artist and designer, specialising in intricate and detailed papercuts and miniature paper pop-ups. Florence invited us to her East Sussex studio, with each corner bursting with her incredible creations, as she styled some of the Brora collection whilst we discussed inspiration, craftmanship and creativity.

How would you describe your artistic style?

Attention to detail is a really important part of my style as well as storytelling and nostalgia. I like to create worlds within worlds that give the viewer the same feeling of wonder and pinpoint details that they might have noticed as a child. A lot of my inspiration comes from everyday things that happen and I like to use these aspects of life in my work, such as a miniature pop-up book detailing the process of my partner completing an engine swap on our Morris minor. I use watercolour and fountain pens which lend themselves very well to this.

What are some of your earliest memories of being creative?

I made everything when I was little. If I wasn’t making things out of bits of cardboard then I’d be sewing clothes for Sylvanian Families. I drew a lot too, pages and pages of drawings of cows. I remember thinking watercolour pencils were the height of sophistication.

What do you love the most about your new studio?

It’s a fab space with two windows and I’m really enjoying having the separation between home and work - being able to shut the door and walk home is a novel experience!

Do you work in silence or listening to music?

A bit both really. Radio four in the morning and switch to music in the afternoon. If I’m working to a specific brief for a brand, I’ll have silence as there’s enough going on as it is!

What do you like doing when you’re not working?

I love walking on the south downs where I live and making clothes. I also just love being at home - I have a large family of cosmos seedlings that are requiring my attention at the moment.

How can we keep handmade art alive in a digital age?

I think there will always be a place for handmade and if anything it’ll become more valued. I don’t think you can replace the feeling of satisfaction that doing something practical gives you, whether that’s cooking, drawing, fixing things or gardening.

How would you describe your personal style?

I’m mostly in skirts and dresses, Liberty Prints and ginghams with wool knitwear. White blouses are a constant throughout the year. I love wearing soft colours with the occasional very strong pigment in the mix. I think it’s fascinating how what you wear can influence how you feel - clothes are so important.

What’s the first piece of Brora you owned?

My first Brora piece was a Wool Fair Isle Yoke Jumper bought when I was about nineteen. Brora does timeless pieces really well. I still wear it all the time!

Can you tell us a bit about your dog, Dilys?

Dilys is a mix of a German wirehaired pointer and a bull mastiff. She’s an old lady now but when she was able to walk up the high street, we would be pulled over the road in order to collect a biscuit from various shopkeepers. She has a whole shop routine ingrained like a map.

If you weren’t an artist, what would you be doing?

I don’t think there was ever an option to not do something creative - I don’t have the other kind of brain! I grew up with two self-employed parents which most likely influenced my view on the working world. I also have a condition called Adenomyosis which means that I’m often in a lot of pain. This meant I couldn’t see how I could work in a normal workplace setting when some days I can hardly walk or think, so working for myself felt like the obvious option.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?

When I’m feeling stuck creatively, my dad says “do something nice”. This could be anything from making something you’ve been wanting to do for ages (however silly the idea is) or seeing an exhibition or going to a cafe. Just taking some space from whatever it is you’re feeling stuck with. It usually makes other ideas come to the forefront or gives you the opportunity to have new ones.

What’s coming up for you for the rest of the year?

Later this year I’ll be taking part in a show at The Gallery at Green and Stone curated by my friend Venetia Higgins. It’s an excellent theme (Folklore, Myths and Legends) and I’m looking forward to getting started on my pieces and seeing the 33 other artists’ work. I would also really like to take some time to get back into making ceramic plates.

Where can people find out more about you and your work?

My Instagram @Florence.sweryda will always be my most up to date notice board. My website and shop can be found at florencesweryda.co.uk.