Have you ever wondered to know a little more about the artists behind our chocolate bar designs? Meet Victoria McGrane from The Scenic Route. I met her 2 years ago when we were showcasing our products together at a trade fair. We clicked. We connected. And as they say... the rest is history. Her designs are not only fresh and exquisite but celebrate Australian flora, animals and life on our land. She so gracefully came on this journey with me launching our very first chocolate bar. You can read more about The Scenic Route here.
Have you always been an artist? When did your passion for art and design begin?
I have always loved drawing and making things, my passion truly began in primary school where I had an amazing teacher called Ms Epper who did the best art and creativity classes! I studied Visual Art and painting at Uni, but then dropped out and did textile design at Tafe because I found the uni course too theory based and I just wanted to make things and get into the nitty gritty.
Your designs are quite whimsical with a celebration of Australian flora and animals. How did this interest come about?
I lived in London for 9 years, so when I came back to Australia after so long I saw the natural beauty that I had taken for granted my whole life with completely new eyes! I also think that there used to be a real cultural cringe about anything Australian inspired which has been completely subverted by current trends and people are truly embracing all things modern Australiana!
What is your general process in an art piece from beginning to end?
I approach everything quite methodically probably due to my textile design training! I always start with an idea, create a moodboard and colour palette and then I hand draw all of the individual elements. Then I bring everything over to the computer and work on compositions in photoshop until I'm happy. My work is quite intricate so each design takes at least a week of solid work from start to finish.
We met at a trade event in 2018. Since then, have you collaborated with other businesses?
I have! I love collaborating with other like minded small brands and I have worked with Gather and Moss on kids pjs, Gorgeous By Carly on printed earrings, Kashzale on several ranges of hand made cosmetic bags and Blushing Ivy on a range of travel candle tins to name a few.
Where does your inspiration come from?
The beauty of nature, and the incredible flora, fauna and landscapes of Australia. I love capturing the tiny details and creating semi fantastical menageries of birds, insects and plants.
What is next for Victoria and The Scenic Route?
A very exciting adventure awaits me for next year! I have recently purchased a converted bus with solar panels and I am planning to truly take the Scenic Route and slowly travel around Australia! I hope to gain lot's of new inspiration from the beautiful landscapes of Australia and continue to run my business remotely.
Your quote/ words of wisdom you live by?
I can't go past this quote by philosopher David Henry Thoreau:
"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.
All good things are wild, and free.
It's not what you look at that matters, it's what you see."
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