Characters of the Cut
Alice Griffin discovers how maps have helped shape an artist’s business. Illustrator’s inspiration
AS I imagine artist, Sophia Shaw, staring out of the picture window in her studio overlooking the Shropshire Union Canal, her home – a 1989 42ft springer called Roanoke – bobbing happily in front, I can appreciate why she feels endlessly inspired for her work and life.
Along with her partner, Andrew, and their rescue dog, John, Sophia had long dreamed about a freer life on the canal. “We knew one day we would make the move and then we found Roanoke in Richmondon-Thames. The first few weeks aboard were a bit of a shock as we had no proper experience. January on the river was very interesting and we learnt a lot pretty quickly!”
Having continuously cruised for several years, they now find themselves on a home mooring, which allows them to live a little more of the ‘good life.’ “For two summers we travelled selling my artwork from the towpath before returning to London for Andrew to work the winter.
“We enjoyed cruising to Lechlade at the top of the Thames – it’s so beautiful and great for swimming as well, but then two years ago we were lucky to find a canalside mooring on farmland with space for a studio and a little garden to grow veggies.”
Despite sometimes missing travelling freely, being landbased has helped with Sophia’s work. “Now that we have a base I have been able to get out and about more to trade at markets, which has helped me to make a name for myself locally.
“I love selling face-to-face, chatting and getting feedback. Dealing directly with people who actually want to own my work has been a real driver and helped me to gain confidence in my ability.”
Sophia considers herself to have always been a creative person who has had a passion for art from an early age. “I went to study art at college in Wrexham and then to Swansea where I studied for a degree in illustration.”
After a few years travelling and working abroad, she decided to start her business. “My illustrated map of Wales was the beginning. I really enjoyed working in that style and people liked it, so I went from there.”
Now Sophia’s creations include a wide range of illustrated maps – which she sells prints of – as well as quirky map tea towels and other products, many with a canal theme. “I also have a growing range of greeting cards, all printed on recycled card and sold free of plastic wrap. I create a variety of custom commissioned pieces including maps and also boat portraits.” When possible Sophia also exhibits and is busy getting her work stocked in indie shops and galleries.
Recently, together with Andrew, she built a little studio shed using lots of recycled materials. “Sustainability is very important to me in both life and business and I reuse and recycle when possible. I really love having a separate studio space so that I feel more like I am actually ‘going to work’. Moving into it felt like the best thing that ever happened!”
Having often worked myself from a tiny nook in a narrowboat or campervan, I can imagine how good it feels! “It's great having space to relax in the evenings again,” Sophia tells me.
With her new studio Sophia is busy expanding her range, designing and making more products: “I have a lot of ideas bubbling away!” As a registered canal trader who sets up shop both on the towpath and at canal festivals as The Illustrators Boat, as well as selling at land-based local markets and via her Etsy shop, there are plenty of opportunities to buy her creations.
And for those looking to snap up a gift for yourself or someone you know who lives afloat, she tells me “I will be adding more canalthemed greeting cards to my range, along with my popular canal-map tea towel and towpath-scene coasters.”
Life afloat very much influences Sophia’s work, with her appreciation of the waterways and nature obvious throughout her paintings. “I think that living as a continuous cruiser first really helped us to bond with the lifestyle. As you travel so slowly there is plenty of time to take in the scenery.
“The country cottages and gardens that can sometimes only be seen from the canal feel like a hidden world. I feel a lot closer to nature living on the canal and love seeing the seasons change and watching the wildlife from my window.”
Instagram: @sophiasillustration Website: www.sophiasillustration.co.uk