I recently reached 40k on Instagram, and it felt like a lovely moment to say hello again.
For those who are new, I’m Carmen. I’m an artist based in Sydney, creating pencil drawings inspired by Australian nostalgia.
I’ve always been drawn to the small things. The objects that sit quietly in the background, but somehow hold so many memories.
Each piece is created slowly and with care, built layer by layer, where the smallest details matter most.
If you’ve been here for a while, thank you for being part of this. And if you’re new, I’m so glad you’ve found your way here.
I’d love to know, how long have you been following along?
11 years. Somewhere along the way, without me noticing the exact date, this became the longest job I’ve ever held.
What began as a confused but passionate dabbler slowly grew into a life and career I truly love. There have been lows, and many more highs. There have been seasons of doubt, seasons of growth, and plenty of moments where I’ve had to learn things the hard way.
One of the greatest gifts of this path is that I’m still learning. Not only as an artist, but in all the unseen parts of running a small business alone. The creating, the problem solving, the packing orders, the figuring out as I go.
Over the years, I’ve grown from someone who hoped it might work into a self assured artist and business owner. That quiet confidence feels hard won, and deeply cherished.
The little girl in me would be so proud of what we’ve built. And truthfully, I can’t imagine doing anything else for the next 10 or 20 years.
Thank you for being here, for supporting my work, and for allowing me to keep doing what I love. ✨
1. Signing and packing orders. Still so grateful.
2. One of my very first markets. Nervous and hopeful.
3. Dream collaboration with @derwentartofficial@derwentartau A pinch me moment.
4. Group exhibition with @trafficjamgalleries . A major career highlight.
5. None of this without the support of my partner.
6. Online artist interview with passionate young creatives.
7. Working on personal projects. Where ideas begin.
8. Commissions with heart. Stories drawn with care
Some of the drawings shared by the students from the Bloomsbury International School in Hat Yai, Thailand. The students were studying my artwork and created their own responses using Thai flowers, food and drink packaging.
Thank you so much for their art teacher Sara for organising this. The kids are so talented and I love their enthusiasm. @bloomsburyhatyai
Throw back to when I was working on a small series on pasta shapes. Kind of want to adding a few more to the collection, or maybe start a series on dumplings from around the world.
What do you think? What should I do?
Found this photo from the archive the other day. Seeing the three prints together warms my heart. Still some of my most popular prints to this day.
Get 15% off when you purchase as a set.
From their uneven shapes to their tiny seeds and shifting shades of red, no two strawberries are ever the same.
This little A4 strawberry study, drawn with coloured pencils is now available online. x
A day’s drawing, condensed into 15 seconds.
With everything moving so quickly online, it’s easy to forget that good things take time.
Here’s to the many quiet hours spent obsessing over tiny details and slowly bringing an idea to life.
Dropped off my two pieces to @somethingelsegallery this morning.
They’ll be showing alongside the work of 38 other wonderful artists as part of the gallery’s inaugural exhibition, opening this Friday.
Swipe through for the exhibition details. I’d love to see you there on opening night.
