The Art of Discovery: In conversation with Christabel Blackburn
Antler speaks to London based artist Christabel Blackburn about how travel has shaped her creative journey, and life through an artist’s lens.
From the bustling streets of New York to the serene, untamed coastlines of Cornwall, Christabel Blackburn’s art captures the beauty of both natural and urban environments, blending them into vibrant compositions. With a creative journey rooted in a love for people-watching and a fascination with colour, the London based artist finds inspiration in the unexpected, often turning detours into moments of discovery.
As she collaborates with Antler on a unique painting, the artist reflects on how her process has evolved in tune with travel, the influence of motherhood on her perspective, and the role of art in nurturing young minds – a cause close to her heart, with proceeds from the painting going to children’s charity Place2Be.
Dive into her world as she shares insights on creativity, the joys of exploring new places, and the value of seeing life through an artist's lens.
Christabel Blackburn paints the one off Antler commission in her studio
Q&A
Christabel shares her inspirations behind art, travel, and finding delight in everyday journeys.
Antler: Where did your artistic journey begin?
Christabel: I’ve been painting my whole life. My mum was a fashion designer, and my family has always been involved in the arts, so it was always there, although I didn't initially see it as a career. After university, I went to Florence, which is where I really started focusing on the figure. You spend a year just drawing there, concentrating on portraits and the human form. I don’t know exactly why I was so interested in the human figure, but I think it had to do with studying classics at university and seeing all the Greek sculptures and temples.
From there, I started trying to make a living by doing portraits of people, dogs, children, and that sort of thing. As I did that, I began to find my own style. I had a formative trip to New York in my early twenties. I went with my parents, but they were off doing their own thing, so I spent a lot of time wandering the city with my camera. That’s when I became more aware of my love of people-watching. I thought, “Why don’t I document this?” So, I started taking photos on the street, and when I got back, I began painting these scenes of people on park benches or walking along. I also started looking at street photographers. That’s where my interest in people within spaces, and how they inhabit streets or interiors, began.
It seems like travel and exploring new places has been a formative part of your creative process from the start.
Well, art and travel have always gone hand in hand. Historically, artists have travelled to sketch or spent time in artist residencies as a way to expand their practice and explore the world. And my own experience has been similar.
When I was younger, before I had children, I took a sketchbook everywhere. Even when I met my husband, we’d always bring a sketchbook on walks into the hills. I don’t have the time to do that anymore, but I often wish I did. Travel opens up endless possibilities, new inspiration, and new cultures. It’s a way to explore colours in the broadest sense. You can't always be inspired just sitting in your studio – you need to get out into the world. Even travelling from my studio into central London can provide endless inspiration, let alone trips to places like South America. As my kids get older, I’ve been able to travel more again, which is great.
Travel opens up endless possibilities, new inspiration, and new cultures. It’s a way to explore colours in the broadest sense.
Christabel Blackburn
You mention colour as something that stands out to you. How does this influence your work?
Colour plays a big role, and it has gotten brighter over time, probably because of travel. For a long time, I painted London scenes, which turned out quite grey. I was always looking for sunshine and brighter buildings, but I love brutalist architecture, so many of my early works were in muted tones. Then, I spent time in places like Morocco, Mexico, and LA, and the colours there—the blue skies, the sunshine—heightened the colours in my paintings. I find it deeply satisfying to play around with different combinations.
The piece you have produced for Antler is beautifully bold and confident in colour. Can you tell us about the process of painting it?
For this piece, I wanted to connect it to both the British landscape – the shared home of Antler and me – and the spirit of travel. That’s how I work – I use elements from various images, figures from one place, landscapes from another, and then I semi-abstract them into a coherent scene. I found beautiful train stations in Scotland while researching. I always try to balance natural elements with something man-made, like a figure against a structured background. My paintings are about achieving balance, whether it’s between straight lines and curves, or natural and built environments.
Finished artwork at Christabel's studio, inspired by discovery and exploration
In a similar way, Antler’s design-led approach isn’t just about functional travel – they bring style and vision into it. Their aesthetic aligns with mine, so it felt natural to create a painting for them. I pulled some of the colours from their new collection to inform the feel of the painting. I love fashion, travel, and art, so this collaboration was really exciting for me.
My paintings are about achieving balance, whether it’s between straight lines and curves, or natural and built environments.
Christabel Blackburn
You mentioned earlier that the way you travel has changed since becoming a mother. What does it represent to you now?
For me, travel means adventure, discovery, and experiencing different cultures – their colours, tastes, flavours, smells, and people. I’m not great at staying still for too long, I like moving on to the next thing. Being in one place for too long feels like life is passing too quickly, and I want to see as much of the world as possible, especially with my kids as they grow older. I think we really sweat the small stuff when we stay in our routines, and stepping away gives perspective.
It's within my nature to keep moving, to explore, discover, and have adventure.
Christabel Blackburn
Do you have a favourite travel spot in the UK?
My favourite place in the whole world is the North Cornish coastline. It’s dramatic and beautiful. I love it, though I’ve never tried painting it – it’s tough to capture those craggy cliffs and crashing waves. I also recently visited the Scottish Highlands, which were breath-taking – vast, sparse, and epic. And then there’s Dorset, with its rolling hills leading down to the south coast, like a perfect picture – peaceful and quiet. There’s so much to discover in Britain. It’s surprising how much you can discover close to home, and even the more unexpected places have something to offer!
This collaboration is also supporting a wonderful cause, Place2Be, which provides access to art therapy for children's mental health. How do you see the role of art in supporting young minds?
I’m really interested in that kind of work because art is my therapy too. I have a chaotic, ADHD brain, so working in my studio quietly and methodically is cathartic for me. I’ve always been drawn to charities that support children in similar ways. When I was young, I struggled to concentrate in school, and there are so many underfunded schools, especially in London, that lack resources for children facing similar challenges. Place2Be provides therapists and support for these kids. Art resonates with most kids – getting them to create something can focus their minds, making learning more enjoyable. They make the mental health benefits of art and creativity accessible to children who need it most, giving them a space to express themselves and build confidence, just as art has always done for me.
Christabel Blackburn’s one-of-a-kind painting will be available for auction on Antler.co.uk from 22nd October – 5th November 2024.
