Original Illustrations Inspired by Australia
Sometimes we get lost and along the way amazing things can happen.
In 2005, we bought a one-way ticket from Los Angeles to Melbourne, Australia. My husband (a Kiwi) wanted to return to his part of the world and I thought: why not? I've always been up for an adventure, and thought I'd give his part of the world a go.
The following year our son Theo was born, and suddenly the obvious was staring me in the face - my son was Australian. Although we shared the same DNA, he was going to be so different than me. He would speak with a different accent, play cricket (not baseball), get his footy gear out of the boot (not the trunk), say ta (not thank you), his Christmas would be in the middle of summer, his pie would be filled with meat (not apples) and when he ordered a lemonade it wouldnt be squeezed from lemons.
These are a collection of my drawings, patterns and characters inspired by living in this sunburnt country. Australia is a magical country that at times can be overwhelming, but is always inspiring. These illustrations are a way for me to get to know my new life and the place we now call home.
© All images and content within this site remain the copyright of Colleen Ayson
When you think of Australia you automatically think of the kangaroo, the koala and the dingo "who got my baby". But the only kangaroo that I met was on the menu at a schwanky restaurant for $40 and served medium rare with a side of mash (this is the only country that eats it's coat of arms).
Introducing "The Luckies" a new breed of Australian heroes inspired by the mundane encounters experienced in your neighborhood rather than the animals you might meet at the zoo or a souvenir stall at the airport.
Meet "The Luckies" from the Lucky Country
Ollie Oi - he's a persistent, pesky and unpretentious pest
Bufo - the cane toad likes to play in puddles
Bikkie - is the most loyal best friend ever.
Kooka - the laughing kookaburra just giggles the day away
© copyright of Colleen Ayson 2009
Colleen Ayson (born & raised in Los Angeles, CA)
is a Melbourne based artist and illustrator. Her first entrepreneurial enterprise (15 yrs) was making jewelery out of found objects she collected cycling around the Valley and sold them at a Punk store on Melrose (LA). Since then she has received a degree in Public Art from the Chelsea College of Art and Design in London. She has lived on three continents, five cities, moved 18 times and cant stand the sight of a cardboard box.
colleenayson_gmail.com
If you're looking for a salty and sassy snack that will leave you wanting more. Take a sneak peak at my blog.
© copyright of Colleen Ayson
It was the Bush Flies. They were in my nose, my eyes and there were millions of them everywhere. These are not your average house fly these - guys are pesky, persistent and quintessentially Australian. The Bush Fly has had more influence on Australian culture than other creature - can we say the ever fashionable cork hat and the Australian Salute.
Kooka the kookaburra
is a giggly busy little bird
Colleen Ayson Design has created a series of whimsical images and playful characters inspired by the Australian lifestyle.
These original artworks are fresh, fun and fabulous and will look amazing in any room of the house.
