I’m a Artist based in Wellington, New Zealand. I’ve been painting in this style for the last 5 or so years and enjoy exploring and refining new techniques and designs within this genre.
I find my inspiration in second hand stores, sourcing old magazines, knitting patterns, fabric, wallpaper, clothes and photographs (not to mention my Nana’s Basement, an endless supply of beautiful treasures).
I started out playing around with old TV and car advertising and have progressed to exploring illustrations from dressmaking pattern books.
There is something about the illustrative style of these 1940’s & 50’s images that entices me to recreate them, playing with different background patterns and layouts.
I love to breathe new life into an art form that is old and nearly forgotten. I’m intrigued by the way the ladies are so stylized, yet when named they immediately assume a persona and start telling you a story.
I’ve started to reproduce my paintings using dye sublimation onto small ceramic tiles. I’m very happy with the results and enjoy the play on something being very feminine yet practical, like pretty tea cups and saucers. The high gloss finish on these tiles re-enforces the idea that the women portrayed must be perfect.

Anmea Hoskin