Pete Cromer is hands-down the best artist in Australia. There, I said it! I’ve been in love with his work for years now, but his latest creations to hit the scene – Druids – are by far the most adorable.
The Inspiration Behind Pete Cromer Druids
When Pete took some time out to talk with me this week, I had to ask about the inspiration behind these little creatures. They’re the latest in what is a very long line of work from this talented Melbourne artist, who I’ve featured on the blog before and whose art is proudly displayed in my own home.
When it comes to the qualities I admire most in this new range, it’s the sense of whimsy and charm that really appeals me. Pete explains that when it came to creating the Druids, it was about exploring personality using shapes.
“I find that simpler, blob-like forms can be more expressive and communicate emotion stronger than a detail image,” Pete says. “Druids are little souls of positive energy, they are intended to make you feel happy and strong”.
Pete got the name for these little guys from the Druids at Stonehenge, based upon the stone relics there and the magic behind them. But if you thought Druids were the only new releases from this Aussie artist, prepare to swoon over his Aussie animal art too.
“I associate better with our home grown fauna than the rest of the worlds,” Pete tells me, when I ask about these koala and kangaroo works (above). “That’s not to say that an elephant isn’t on the list of to-do’s.”
Pete goes on to explain that he still has a lot more exploration into Australian animals to do, so we’ll be seeing more collages in this series through out the year. He also points out that he likes to take his time when working on a range; shape is really important to him, so it can be a slow process for him to get the work just right.
Take one look at his colourful website and you can’t help but notice an adorable French Bulldog print in the mix too. Pete tells me that it was inspired by his own pooch, who he sadly lost just before Christmas last year.
“This artwork is still a little hard for me to look at at times, but it still brings me joy too. He gave me a lot of energy and motivation each day, so losing him sucked more than you could imagine. Tell your pets you love them everyday, they need to know”.
“I’m always going to go with my gut no matter how crazy the idea is… so watch this space”.
Is there a Bedding Range on the way?
It looks like things are onwards and upwards for Pete in 2016. But the busy artist tells me that he is trying to focus his energies into one project at a time.
“Chris, my head is full of so many ideas,” he says. “This year I will have a couple of exhibitions, launch some new artwork and prints, have few collaborations up my sleeve and there is also the top secret awesome things in development… think soft and dreamy 😉. I’m always going to go with my gut no matter how crazy the idea is… so watch this space”.
Pete Cromer… if you are releasing a bedding range I am going to NEED A MEDIC ON STANDBY!
If you love Pete’s work and would like to get your hands on some of his Druids, hit the competition below and you might be lucky enough to welcome these little guys into your family!
WIN THE 5-PIECE DRUID FAMILY YOU SEE ABOVE!
** Please note that this competition has now closed. The winner was Catherine Elizabeth **
To go in the draw to win this family of druids, simply:
Drop a comment below telling me what you love about Pete Cromer and his work!
Comp open to Aus residents only. Comp closes 11.59pm Tuesday May 24.
Reminds me of the fun and innocence of childhood. Every adult needs a pet rock… Or 5 🙂
unique and funky and bright – just what i love 🙂
I love the colour palettes he uses, utterly dreamy! And those Druids are the cutest little souls ever!!
If I could be a druid I would. Life seems much simpler as a druid. Happier as a druid.
It’s that ‘can’t put my finger on it, but it just makes me happy’ sense you get when look at Pete’s work.
I love the Druids! They are so simple yet so happy!
I’ll be honest, I’m not an arty guy. When my girlfriend fell in love with Pete Cromer I didn’t get it. She looked at his website and social media everyday and obsessed over his work. Being the good bloke I am, I bought her two Druids for her birthday, one which had her name so she believed it was destiny. She placed them smack bang in the living room so I look at them everyday. Every time I looked at them, I found a goofy smile spreading across my face. I noticed increasingly over the very few days they were in my house that I actually grew to liking and eventually loving these little fellas, so much so that to my surprise one day I found myself on Pete’s website looking at which to buy next.
So I love Pete’s work because one, my girlfriend does and I love to see her happy and two, you’ve converted me Pete. A non arty bloke into a Druid loving, Pete enthusiast.
Druids are possibly the cutest things I have ever seen in my life. I stumbled upon them on Instagram one day which directed me to the rest of Pete’s unique work. I now proudly hang 2 of his Australian fauna prints in my house as well as two Druids whom I pass on my shelf everyday which make me smile uncontrollably. I love the joy, energy and happiness these peices give me every time I glance their way.
Pete’s artwork and Druids just make me smile! I can’t wait to put one of his animal pieces in our baby’s nursery. His work is pure happiness 🙂
Found pete Cromer via his collaboration with Laura Blythman. His art is cute, quirky, fun and never fails to make me smile. The evolving glitter druids are awesome also. They remind me of my children and tiny dogs looking up at me expectantly for food hehe, Lucy