We first interviewed Susie Atkin of Urban Road back in 2012, after she had launched her business with the bright idea of creating fabulous large scale art, affordably priced. That's still the core of her business, which now also offers painterly cushions and a small rug range. We explore her latest art collaboration, with interior designer, author and TV host Shaynna Blaze. 

The pair describe their collection as a journey inspired by nature, including "organic and abstract forms, and a sense of fluid, elegant movement." It features 4 separate styles, designed to complement one another so that pieces can be mixed and matched to suit any space.



The moody 'Transcend' pieces evoke stormy weather. “I am always captivated by a stormy sky and raging ocean, and find myself lost in their ever-changing shapes," says Shaynna. "The colours after a storm seem almost magical, and it’s these moments I wanted to play with, introducing light and depth to activate life in each piece.”



The collaboration was a creative meeting of minds. Susie combines a love of painting with the digital skills required to translate her work to a larger scale, and Shaynna is an interior designer who believes in identifying your design 'personality' through the colours and styles you are naturally drawn to. Together, they have created pieces across a pretty palette of soft blues, greys, pinks and greens.



According to Shaynna, the 'Papillon' pieces are "a microscopic snapshot of a butterfly's wings and the delicate shapes could almost be the feathers of a bird, or the scales of fish. I just love the contrast in the softness of the shapes and boldness of the rich colours.”



The 'Fleeting Moments' pieces are based on brushstrokes, and an idea about continuity. “Not seeing where the stroke begins or ends opens the idea to what the bigger picture could be. These designs are the perfect partners to the vibrancy and action of Papillon and Transcend,” says Shaynna.

Susie is proud to have her work made in Australia, using fade-resistant inks, cotton canvas and wooden stretcher frames. Each piece arrives ready to hang - but will you hang alone, in a group, or prop against a wall or atop furniture?  Aaagh! If you need help, revisit Susie's 6 tips on choosing the right colour and style, and placing it in your space.

Photography - Chris Warnes. Styling - Natalie Walton.

Follow Shaynna @shaynnablaze and Susie @urbanroad_au