New Perspective
Illustrator and mural artist Holly Astle explains how moving onto a 60ft narrowboat has brought her closer than ever to the nature that inspires her work
Holly designs all of her work from aboard her 60ft narrowboat.
My partner and I moved onto our boat in January. We’re on a beautiful, green, traditional 60ft narrowboat called Bramley. Moving on in winter was a good test, when the solar was low and you’re having to stay warm. I loved it even in those harsher times, so I definitely think that I’m made for it.
Being a digital artist means I don’t actually need all that much working space, which is ideal for narrowboat living. I normally curl up on the sofa with my iPad. That said, I do require a bit of storage for my art supplies, and when I do get them all out I take up half the footprint of the boat, sprawling all over the coffee table and floor.
Witnessing the changing seasons has been great inspiration for Holly.
Natural inspiration
We’re continuously cruising the Kennet & Avon Canal from where we started in Newbury. Coming into the spring was such a joy after the winter: each bud and flower and the returning bird calls. I’ve loved being able to witness and feel every moment to a degree I never have before. Being so in tune with the seasons and nature is my favourite thing about living afloat.
Waterways wildlife features prominently in this work called ‘Out the Hatch’.
New perspective
Since moving onto Bramley it’s given me a new perspective on nature. I’ve learned so many new birdcalls, taught myself how to identify more wildflowers, foraged for wild plants, and seen things like otters, ferrets, hedgehogs, bats, kingfishers, ravens… the list is huge. All this has inevitably fed into my artwork, as it always comes from a place of lived experience.
