Shona Heath

It wasn’t until last year that I first came across the incredible Shona Heath. 

Before then, I had no idea who she was. But when Poor Things hit the screen, I found myself completely captivated by the lavish sets, the vibrant costumes, and the immersive color palette—everything but the story behind it, to be honest. I couldn’t stop thinking, "What a wonderful world this is. I want to live there." It was in that moment of awe that I realized I had stumbled upon something extraordinary.

Shona Heath, a brilliant set and costume designer, has been the creative force behind some of the most visually stunning projects in recent years. Her collaborations with photographer Tim Walker have resulted in some of the most striking and surreal visuals in fashion and film. 

Her work, full of whimsy, depth, and meticulous detail, brings fantastical worlds to life, transporting us to places where imagination reigns. Whether it’s through her work on The Favourite, The Lobster, or other artistic ventures, Heath’s ability to blend the fantastical with the real has left an indelible mark on the visual arts. Her designs are not just costumes and sets—they are entire worlds that spark something deep within.

    Read More: Shona Heath on Surrealism, Sketching and Saying Goodbye to Ideas

Shona Heath, originally from the UK, studied at the prestigious Central Saint Martins in London, where she cultivated a unique blend of fashion design and fine arts.

 This dual approach laid a strong foundation for her career, equipping her with both the technical skills and creative vision needed to craft her distinctive designs. At Central Saint Martins, she mastered the balance between conceptual artistry and practical execution, which has become a hallmark of her captivating work.  

Boreas (Work in Progress)

In the midst of researching Boreas, the Greek god who stirs the northern winds, a forgotten story from The Storyteller resurfaced in my mind, one I had heard long ago.

This particular tale captured my imagination deeply—it was about how crows didn’t speak their stories, but instead, they let the wind carry them. The wind, transports tales and memories, whispers of the past, and hints of the unknown. 

The story reminded me of the magic of 'The Storyteller' a TV series created by Jim Henson in the late 1980s. Henson, known for his groundbreaking work with puppets and fantastical creatures, used his extraordinary talents to adapt classic folklore from around the world into visually rich, imaginative tales. 

The Storyteller was unique not only for its rich storytelling but also for its remarkable use of techniques like stop-motion animation and puppetry. Each episode felt like a living myth, with creatures and characters that seemed to come straight out of the pages of ancient folklore. Henson’s team crafted intricate puppets and sets, often blending the artistry of shadow play with the tactile beauty of stop-motion, creating a world where the mythical and the real coexisted.

The series drew from a variety of folk traditions, but some of the most notable were stories from Greek, Norse, and Slavic mythologies. There was a palpable reverence for nature, the elements, and the stories carried through generations—stories that might otherwise have been lost in the winds of time. In one particular episode, The Storyteller tells the story of crows, but it isn’t just a simple tale of talking birds.

The crows in this story don’t speak directly. Instead, they communicate through the wind, much like the myth of Boreas. The wind itself becomes a conduit for their message, a metaphor for how stories are carried across the world, hidden in the unseen currents of nature.

There was also another story featuring a witch who transforms three crows into humans. This tale differs from the one I remember because it delves deeper into the theme of transformation and the mystical power of nature’s creatures. 

This connection between crows, the wind, and transformation speaks to a deeper metaphor that I’ve always felt in my work. It carries memories, like the whispers of a long-forgotten childhood, and it holds the power to shift our understanding of the world around us.  

Working on Boreas has been an exploration of this unseen power—the idea that stories, much like the wind, are always moving, changing, and carrying with them the essence of life itself. Whether we hear them or not, they are always present, weaving through the air. The wind is both a storyteller and a listener, a bridge between the past and the present, between the known and the unknown.

Alessandro Michele

Alessandro Michele, Creative Director of Gucci from 2015 to 2022, transformed the brand with his visionary approach to fashion, blending bold maximalism with historical references. 

His designs were often infused with the opulence of the Renaissance, a period that deeply influenced his aesthetic, from the rich textures to the elaborate detailing. Michele’s fascination with art history extended beyond his own work, influencing the diverse collaborators he brought on board, including artists and set designers, to create immersive, multidimensional collections. 

 

His vibrant, psychedelic color palettes, adorned with intricate flowers, pearls, and rich symbolism, rewrote the fashion narrative, transforming Gucci into a symbol of both inclusivity and opulence. Michele’s designs were not just about aesthetics but were imbued with deeper meaning each element, from the floral motifs to the pearls, spoke to themes of beauty, rebirth, and excess. 

Michele's collections were a tapestry of eclectic inspirations—ranging from Renaissance art to subcultures, all rendered through a contemporary lens. 

His iconic "Kubrick" collection, for example, was a nod to the cinematic world of Stanley Kubrick, combining futuristic designs with vintage references. He also revived the brand’s classic Princetown slippers, giving them a furry makeover that became a symbol of his playful yet luxurious vision. Throughout his tenure, Michele turned Gucci into a cultural phenomenon, challenging conventions and embracing diversity in both design and identity.

Clotho (Work in Progress)

I’ve had a long fascination with Clotho ever since I became interested in the Three Fates. For a while now, I’ve tried to draw them, but I just couldn’t find the right inspiration to express the essence I imagined. 

Jozef Van Wissem & SQÜRL - Streets Of Tangier

 

Moodboard

 

sketching (Fortuna)

This drawing is about Fortuna, the goddess of luck and fortune. She’s inspecting, ensuring that I’m truly invested in what I do, guarding against anything that might feel insincere or shallow.

I began this sketch in Berlin, but it wasn’t until after my sabbatical year in South America that I finally had the opportunity to continue it. When I arrived in Paris and stayed at my mom’s place, I knew it would be a challenging time. To balance the stress, I decided to meet with a few collectors—friends of Monsieur Pablo Guayasamin. The only thing I knew about them was that they owned a Gallery near Saint-Germain-des-Prés.

Fortuna’s Embrace (Sketch)
Acrylic, Ballpoint pen, Gold on Paper
2017 - 2018

What I hadn’t anticipated was that these collectors were genuine art enthusiasts. They were so kind and welcoming that they invited me to exhibit in their gallery. After our meeting, I rushed off, and as the rain began to fall, I took refuge in the first café I found. 

As I waited for my coffee—those moments of quiet often spark my creativity—I continued working on the pointillism phase of my sketch (if you follow my blog, you know that many of my ideas come to life during these pauses, simply while waiting for my coffee).

The Collectors

Meeting The Collectors | Pablo Guayasamin

As a self-proclaimed introvert, I've spent many years holed up in my studio, pouring my heart and soul into my art. But I realized that if I wanted to take my passion to the next level, I needed to step out of my comfort zone and put myself out there.

It was during this time that I had the incredible opportunity to meet Pablo Guayasamin Monteverde, a man whose cultural background and artistic lineage left me in awe. As the son of the renowned South American artist Oswaldo Guayasamin, Pablo has a deep appreciation for the arts and an eye for talent.

Pablo Guayasamin
and Fidel Castro.
REUTERS

I'll admit, I was initially hesitant to share my work with someone of such stature. But I knew that if I didn't take this chance, I would regret it. So I went ahead with the meeting, feeling nervous but determined.

When I arrived at the museum, there was a flurry of activity as journalists and photographers buzzed around, vying for Pablo's attention. I wondered if I would even get a chance to meet with him, but much to my surprise, he made time for me.

As we sat in his office, Pablo carefully examined my artwork and asked me thoughtful questions about my creative process. His genuine interest in my work left me feeling grateful and elated.

Looking back on that day, I feel proud of myself for taking a chance and putting myself out there. And I'm grateful for the opportunity to have met such a remarkable person.

 

 Oswaldo Guayasamin

Oswaldo Guayasamin was an Ecuadorian eminent painter and sculptor whose heritage traces back to Quechua and Mestizo indigenous populations. Guayasamin dedicated his entire life to art and he was also a passionate supporter of the communist Cuban Revolution and Fidel Castro. 

His art works won awards and garnered the attention of Nelson Rockefeller, a well-known and successful American businessman and politician. Through this connection, Guayasamín sold many of his pieces to Americans and was able to travel the United States, visiting museum after museum to learn and experience the artwork of many masters. The money he earned while in the United States enabled him to travel to other nations, like Mexico, Peru, Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay where he met other famous artists of the era, like Diego Rivera and Pablo Neruda.

Source : WideWalls
Source : notyouraverageamerican

Claude Cahun / Le coeur de pic

T4

T4 is the first piece in a series of drawings that explore the complex and contradictory nature of human existence

(UPDATE: Just before the onset of the pandemic)

"T4"

Ink, Watercolor and acrylic on paper ,

2378 x 1680 ,

2015/2016

Our species, much like cancer cells, multiplies rapidly and consumes resources without regard for the well-being of our host—Earth itself. The effects of our relentless growth and insatiable consumption are becoming increasingly evident, and now we even entertain the idea of colonizing other planets.

However, this destructive behavior is not an inherent flaw of humanity. Rather, it results from the absence of natural limitations that might have once regulated our growth and reproductive impulses. As an artist, I feel compelled to explore and portray these uncomfortable truths about our species, in hopes of sparking awareness of the harm we're causing. T4 is a powerful visual representation of this urgent message."

 

T4 from meyoko on Vimeo.

Ishtar Dream (Process)

I began this drawing in 2016, on a quiet afternoon in Berlin. I was sitting at a café, a little restless, waiting for my coffee to arrive. 

The weather had me slightly worried, as I planned to wander through Comenius Garden, just a short walk from where I sat. With no particular destination in mind, I pulled out my Moleskine and started to doodle—just a moment of creative escape.

"Ishtar Dream"
Ballpoint pen, graphite on paper
moleskine series
2016

A simple doodle emerged from that quiet moment. 

Years later, after my sabbatical in South America, I found myself in Paris, once again enjoying a coffee, and decided to bring that doodle to life on an A1 canvas. It wasn’t the best decision, but the process was filled with unexpected joy and creative exploration.

 

 

 

Mute Records · Balanescu Quartet - The Model

Zephyrus (in progress)

 

Julunggul

A few days ago, Magnus Johansson from the band Smallfunk, an exceptionally talented musician from Sweden, reached out to ask if I would be interested in collaborating on his next album. 

He explained that the album would be a tribute to both his dear friend and to the vibrant spirit of Africa. From the moment he mentioned Africa, I felt an immediate connection — the word alone brought a smile to my face, and I was inspired to dive into its symbolism.

I began by collecting flowers endemic to Africa, selecting those that resonated most deeply with me. These flowers became the core of the design — symbols of life, growth, and the continent’s natural beauty. 

As I worked, I felt compelled to incorporate elements of religious symbolism, inspired by the well-known Biblical imagery of Adam and Eve. With the album's title, Afrodisiac, in mind, I approached this symbolism with a contemporary twist, exploring themes of innocence, temptation, and the evolving nature of desire. In my interpretation, Eve becomes the apple — a symbolic gesture that reflects both the title and the sensuality at the heart of the album.

The result is an artistic exploration that blends the sacred with the sensual, inviting a re-examination of these themes through an African lens, while honoring the cultural and spiritual nuances of both traditions.

 

 

 Check out the album here

Julunggul

The Rainbow Serpent, or Rainbow Snake, is a revered deity in Aboriginal mythology, often seen as the Creator God.

Known by various names across different Aboriginal languages and cultures, this sacred being is a powerful symbol in both art and religion.  Like an archetypal mother goddess, the Rainbow Serpent shapes the land and fosters diversity, yet when disturbed, it can unleash great chaos.

While not all myths depict the serpent as a snake or connect it with a rainbow, the presence of water or rain is almost always central. When a rainbow arcs across the sky, it is said to signal the movement of the Rainbow Serpent from one waterhole to another. This divine imagery explains why some waterholes never run dry, even in times of drought.

the sea

HEAT-HAZE THEATRE (aka HEAT SHIMMER THEATRE) (Seijun Suzuki, 1981)

 

"Nephila"

"NEPHILA "

Ballpoint pen, graphite,

 

 "NEPHILA "

Ballpoint pen,graphite,acrylic.

"the blind series"

2016  

             

           

"ANAMNESIS"

Anamnesis is a concept in Plato's epistemological and psychological  theory that he develops in his dialogues Meno and Phaedo, and alludes to in his Phaedrus. 

It is the idea that humans possess knowledge from past incarnations and that learning consists of rediscovering that knowledge within us. 

in Phaedo Plato presents a way of living that would enable one to overcome the misleading nature of the body through katharsis ( “cleansing” (from guilt or defilement), “purification”). The body and its senses are the source of error; knowledge can only be regained through the use of our reason, contemplating things with the soul (noesis).

"anamnesis"
MEMENTO MORI skull series
2016

"Ophrys neglect" | Oblivion

The inspiration for this drawing blossomed from the leaves and plants I gathered on a quiet walk. 

I often remind myself that all the answers we seek are right before us, yet we rarely pause to truly see them, or we deliberately ignore them. 

 

Ophrys neglecta is a species of orchid, known for its unique appearance: its flowers resemble the shape of a human face, often interpreted as having both masculine and feminine qualities. 

This appearance has led to symbolic readings where the flower is seen as embodying the harmonious balance and unity of male and female forces. The idea of balance between the masculine and feminine has often been a theme in various mythologies and spiritual systems, reflecting the notion that the cosmos is created or sustained by the union of these opposing forces.

SOAP&SKIN - MAWAL JAMAR

SOAP&SKIN · SOAP&SKIN - MAWAL JAMAR

The Delicate Paper Flowers of Chanel Couture Spring 2015

The Grand Palais was transformed into a lush jungle of origami-inspired paper foliage in subtle green tones, accented with bursts of color. 

As the guests arrived, the flowers blossomed (in a perfectly mechanical manner), while male-model “gardeners” set up the runway for the main event. Models strutted down the circular runway, adorned in vibrant reds, oranges, blues, and greens, resembling fragile blooms within Lagerfeld’s floral-inspired runway.

Read More: 

Set Design at Chanel Couture Spring 2015

Chanel Haute Couture Spring 2015

Meyoko x Saltbeat

Glad to announce my collaboration with the Saltbeat !!

Saltbeat is a womenswear label of luxury waterwear fueled by our love of kitesurfing, the wind, salt and laissez faire of

the sea.

https://www.saltbeat.com/