"I think any splashes of colour definitely speak whimsical to me" - Kenzie Elston

Artist spotlight

Meet our guest artist Kenzie Elston

You may already know Kenzie’s work, especially if you’re a Pinterest girlie, but you’ve never seen these incredible exclusive works. Her collab with Opposite Wall is pure @snippetsofwhimsy, full of Kenzie’s charm, wit and sweetness. Each work is brimming with sunshine—perfect for brightening kitchens, nurseries or any space that could use a little extra joyful glow!

1) What’s the greatest thing that came out of this collab, for you?

Working on this collection kind of pulled me out of a major creative funk. I was going through a bout of not really loving anything I was making. But I loved working on this group of artworks, and I’m really proud of all the pieces that came out of it.

2) What does whimsy mean to you?

I would say anything that makes you smile! I think any splashes of colour definitely speak whimsical to me, too. Anything that makes you say “that is a really happy piece of art.”

3) Your art is so beautifully playful. What are some things you do to foster that sunshiny perspective?

I try to just really revel in the simple pleasures. Every morning, having my first cup of coffee and just appreciating it for what it is. It’s not anything grandiose but it’s something that makes me happy! I have two little boys and just trying to bring joy into their lives I think really helps bring it into my life too. 

4) You have such a way with words, and play with them often in your piece. Do you have a writing hobby on the side?

I do love word play! I feel like my lane is more like greeting cards or short phrases. I love to read, it’s one of my biggest passions, so drawing that book stack for this collection was really fun.

5) Tell us about your fascination with bugs. And has it grown since you’ve had your boys?

They certainly love digging for worms! My 7-year-old son also recently got a bug hotel. I will say I don’t love when bugs are on me, but I feel like there’s a lot of opportunity for pattern work and just really fun colours in all the different variations of bugs. And you can have one type of bug, like a butterfly, and draw it a million different ways. I think that’s what I really love about insects: bringing that folky kind of whimsy to the shapes. A lot of times my work can skew very young, but I feel like the bug series I did for Opposite Wall bridges that sophisticated but also young gap that I try to hit sometimes. 

6) We know you love cheese and ice cream — but what’s your favourite food of all time?

Honestly, I love trying new foods, Asian in particular. Cheese and ice cream are definitely up there — dairy, clearly! I also really love bread, and coffee, so I really had fun drawing those coffee pots.

Discover Kenzie's collection, curated exclusively for Opposite Wall

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