Rowena Cooper is a Norfolk-based illustrator and maker, inspired by the natural world. Here she explains how her new forage series of eco-friendly greetings cards were born out of family lockdown walks to her local woods
I grew up in a rural village close to Brighton. My childhood was lovely. Weekends and holidays consisted of playing in the woods, den building with my friends, and lots of drawing! I came to Norwich to study at the art school in 2005, and never left. I felt at home here from day one, and that feeling has stayed with me.
When did you first realise you wanted to be an illustrator/designer and how has your career evolved?
Very early on. From a young age I was very content in an imaginary world of my own mark making. I’d spend hours doodling and creating characters (often woodland trolls and fairies) and would make little stories up about them. Cicely Mary Barker (the creator of The Flower Fairies) is a relation, which I’m sure had a big influence on me as a child.
I imagine the natural world is an abundant source of inspiration for you?
It certainly is. Being dyslexic, I’ve always found that I learn, and process best through imagery. In many ways drawing and painting plants, fungi, animals etc is my way of exploring the world around me. Taking the time to stop, really look at something and put that onto paper is how I love to spend my down time.
How have you navigated your way through the pandemic?
Like many parents of young children, life in the lockdowns has been challenging. Having said that, it did mean that our appreciation for our local natural surroundings certainly grew. We looked forward to walks in our local woodland, foraging for berries and mushrooms, and enjoyed seeing this spark seeds of pleasure in our two little girls!
How important is it to you to offer eco greeting cards in the current climate and in what ways are they eco-friendly?
It is so important. Since having children my desire for sustainable, eco-friendly products across all aspects of life has very much increased.
My cards are printed locally, on 100% recycled card stock. Envelopes are also 100% recycled. I package singles in compostable cellophanes, but I am now starting to move to ‘less packaging card clasps’, as I feel these may be the way forward. When posting out orders I recycle all my packaging. My studio is full of preloved cardboard boxes ready for repurposing!
Describe your forage series of cards…are you a keen forager yourself?
My forage cards were born out of our lockdown jaunts to our local woods. As a family, we have always enjoyed foraging, the thrill of finding the perfect ‘penny bun’, in particular, excites my girls, and my 6-year-old has become very good at it!
We are all very lucky in that my husband is wonderful in the kitchen, so creating dishes once back at home is enjoyed all round!
My forage cards each depict an illustrated foraged food, as well as information about where and when to forage and a recipe specific to each. The first series was woodland based, and I am just about to launch my second which has a coastal theme.
What are your hopes and dreams for 2022?
I’d like to keep expanding my card collections and see where it leads. I get a little burst of excitement when a new idea for some cards takes shape. Seeing it from initial concept through to sitting on a shelf in a shop is such a lovely experience.
Visit RoweyCoops and Instagram
Featured image of Rowena Cooper and her daughter, by Bella Drew
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