Meet Poppy Ellis, the artist who brings her world to life through painting, collage, and sculpture. Her bold, joyful use of colour perfectly mirrors the inspiration behind our latest collection, and we’re excited to share her story with you.
On a windy winter's day, we visited Poppy in her coastal studio in Kent, seeking warmth (and a little bit of brightness). We talked about her craft, the importance of community, and the joy that colour brings to both her work and her life.
Poppy wears the Mabel rust stripe trousers and the Cotton toffee spot neckerchief
What first drew you to making art, and how did that early spark shape the way you work today?
My earliest memory is drawing on the bricks in my grandparents’ garden with charcoal from the end of the spill he used to light his pipe. I was under three. I have always made art, and my whole life has been a glorious creative journey.
Much of your work is about character and capturing fleeting moments of feelings (joy, introspection, emotion). How do you approach capturing that in paint, and why is it so important to you?
I believe when painting a portrait, it's important to capture character. I'm fascinated by what makes people tick. Mood is so very often in the shape of an eyelid, the arch of a brow. I try to capture love and longing.
Poppy wears the Tori mid blue jeans
Beyond Nine’s February collection is inspired by traditional workwear. When you’re choosing what to wear in your own studio, what matters most and where do practicality and personal style meet for you?
Painting is like ballet. I'm standing up, pacing, into and away from the work, reassessing, shading, adding light, so flexibility is key. My arms are constantly windmilling, my legs dancing. Beyond Nine gives me comfort with style and durability. The perfect combination.
Poppy wears the Ottie black denim jumpsuit
Has your relationship with getting dressed changed as your career has evolved? Do clothes play a role in helping you feel confident, grounded or ready to work?
In a past corporate (albeit creative) role, I was forced to endure black power suits. Shudder! Now, there is an order to my day: a transition from pyjamas, to workwear, then 6 o’clock lounge wear, which Beyond Nine is so brilliant at.
You’re wearing some of our collection today. How do these clothes make you feel?
So comfortable and at ease with my body. There is such strength in softness.
Poppy wears the Kat washed black jacket and the Tori mid blue jeans
Community is at the heart of what we do at Beyond Nine. Can you talk about the importance of the creative community you’re a part of? Especially the support of other female artists.
I'm very fortunate to have a wonderful community of gals to chat to. A recent creative block saw them slide into my DMs with humour and care and a kick up the arse.
We share a love of colour and the joy it brings. How does colour influence not just your art, but your day-to-day?
I call myself a ‘New Colourist’. I'm not here for beige. My background in children's books influences my playful palette, both on the canvas and in my seaside home.
When someone sees one of your paintings, how do you hope it makes them feel?
Intrigued.
Looking ahead, what are you excited about over the next few months, both in your work and in life?
The unblocking of that creative block and indulging myself, comfortably attired, with a new series of romantic, oversized, joyful portraits.
