About Anna
Our first post is by Kate about her friend Anna.
Anna has been a member of the CREASE community long before CREASE came to be and continues to be a supporter of our creative endeavours. She is mother to Teddy, Reuben and Betsy who all currently live in Scotland with her Husband Nathan.
She embodies all that I see in femininity and holds so much that I aspire to be in motherhood. Her kindness, patience and ability to connect to whoever she meets are much to be admired and we are delighted to kick off our series of Bedroom Stories with her own.
Shooting with Anna has been a regular occurrence since the age of 15 and she was very much my muse throughout most artistic projects until we left school. The opportunity to collaborate again and share such a personal moment between Anna and Betsy has been incredibly special and I will hold very close to my heart.
Q. Following our collection Titled ‘Comfort’, what does the word ‘comfort’ mean to you?
Comfort evokes feelings of softness, security, peace, stillness.
Q: What would you say brings you the most comfort and how?
I think the moments of greatest comfort are those when my babies nuzzle into me, sleep on my softened skin and I feel their softness on me.
Q: Tell us a little about your bedroom or personal space- What defines a space to you?
I don't keep a lot of stuff out, but there is always a pile of book by the bed, usually a few bibles, a novel, a notebook, and something non-fiction. And a cup of coffee in a mug that makes me happy. This one has female artists round it and it makes me smile. Half on my room has the bed, crib and draws where the other half has a little sewing nook.
Having my bedroom, and a living room that are finished, safe and full of love - drawings from my children, books, blankets, art - makes everything so much better. Knowing there is somewhere that feels like home, that the door can be shut on and we can enjoy each other in, is such a blessing.
Q: How easy is it sharing such a personal space with a partner and 3 kids?
Day to day we spend lots of time drawing, gardening, listening to music and audiobooks, cycling. Nathan takes the children for an hour or two in the middle of each weekday. It gives me time to clean and tidy, journal, drink coffee, sing and occasionally sew. Time where I don't belong to anyone and am only responsible for myself. It helps to ground me, and allows me to be a better mother.
Q: Are there any elements of your bedroom that follow you into each space you inhabit?
I bought the bunting from a little vintage shop before I had children, saying it would one day go in my little girls room, and since she sleeps in with us, it's hung over our bed.
The easel was gifted to me by a close family friend and mentor for my 18th birthday. I used it through sixth form, and the boys have used it too. It reminds me of happy times and happy people.
Q: In our current time of house isolation how is your home and surroundings currently feeling to you?
We were mid way through house renovations when the lockdown was announced, so we're currently without a kitchen and there are multiple areas of the home that are incomplete or stressful or just not how we would like.
Q: How important is sustainability in your day to day living?
We try to be sustainable, but I admit we could do better! We grew a good amount of vegetables, have apple trees and a strong rhubarb patch. I use a mooncup or cloth sanitary products, and we've used cloth nappies with all the children. We limit animal products and try to buy second hand. I want to teach the children to be responsible and kind in how they live in the world. I believe we've been given a great responsibility in looking after God's creation and want them to understand that. We should recycle more though - it's easy to get lazy.