When it came to selecting a local artist to collaborate with on Glasshouse Fragrances’ limited edition summer candle collection, only one woman fit the bill. Born in San Francisco and raised in Sydney, Sarah Fordham’s bright and beautiful aesthetic is the perfect foil to our new Pool Party and Pretty In Pink fragrances.
Meet the Multidisciplinary Artist Behind Our Vibrant Summer Campaign
Universally appealing, Fordham’s work is recognisable by both its trademark vibrant palette and refined sensibility. A master of colour and movement, we couldn’t think of anyone better to adorn our latest launches with painterly strokes in an eclectic combo of sky blue, taffy pink, fuchsia and seafoam green.
Fordham not only created the eye-catching designs that decorate the vessels and boxes but the typography, too. A highly skilled designer, she created a bespoke font especially for our limited edition summer candle collection. (A first for Glasshouse Fragrances!) A real collector’s item, this duo is bound to fly off the shelves.
q&A with sarah
Q: Tell us a little about yourself?
I have been an artist since – forever! Actually, I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t making something. These days, when I am not in the studio, I am working as a lecturer in art education. So, I walk and talk art seven days a week! At the centre of my painting practice is my love of colour and that continues into my range of designed products. I am at my happiest when I am simply mixing paint or playing with colour combinations in my studio, with my little pup Indiana Jones by my side!
Q: What is your favourite material to work with?
I work across a range of media – from drawing to painting. The designs found on Pool Party and Pretty in Pink actually started out as mixed media collages and ended up as digital drawings. I am always imagining how my artworks may look on products. Over the years I have printed on silk scarves, cushion covers, plates, tote bags, wine labels, wallpaper, etc as part of my SAFO design range. So, the chance to work with Glasshouse and experiment with packaging design, was such an amazing opportunity I could not pass up!
Q: What is the main inspiration behind your work?
Colour! Colour is at the centre of my work for the simple fact that it brings me joy!
Q: How do you stay creative?
I am always making things or thinking about making things – so creativity is at the centre of my life. For me, it’s always helpful to have materials quick to hand – so in recent times my iPad and stylus have been within arm’s reach so I can quickly get an idea to ‘paper’.
Q: What was your inspiration behind the Glasshouse Fragrances Summer campaign packaging?
The ideas behind this series of designs was actually sparked by an exciting visit to my studio by Glasshouse CEO, Nicole Eckels. As Nicole described these new scents she was developing, this in turn inspired the design of these summery concepts through the pink and blue colour schemes. I think final designs speak to the fun of sunny days and they truly work hand-in-hand with Nicole’s early vision. What a dream collaboration!
Q: If you’re given only one word to describe yourself, what word would it be and why?
Eclectic! I am a mix and match sort of girl and don’t like to be pigeon-holed into one way of thinking or being!
Q: Tell us about your collaboration with Glasshouse Fragrances? Why is it special to you?
As a colour tragic, I have always loved Glasshouse’s palette and have always felt an affinity with their aesthetic. One can’t help but be drawn to the colourful wall of Glasshouse products in any design store! And that’s just the packaging! Inside – the fragrances are just as delicious. Partnering with an Aussie company that produces top shelf fragrances – makes for a super exciting collab.
Q: Do you have any words to live by?
Tomorrow’s another day!
Q: If you could travel back to one moment in time, one place where/what would it be?
Waikiki Beach, Honolulu, Hawaii – swimming in the ocean with my whole family and a bunch of friends – prior to the outbreak of Covid. I hope to recreate this moment again in 2022!
For more information on Sarah Fordham’s work, visit safo.com.au.
availability
Glasshouse Fragrances' limited edition Pretty In Pink 380g Soy Candle and Pool Party 380g Soy Candle, $59.99, are available at select retailers and online at GlasshouseFragrances.com from 6th January 2022, while stocks last.