We discovered Tanya Blong’s work at a recent home feature shoot for Your Home and Garden, and after a quick stalk on Instagram we began following her work. The vibrancy of colour first caught our eye, and the bygone aesthetic of the her ‘The Bathers Collection’ stayed with us. With both original paintings and limited edition prints available in a number of sizes, we love that Tanya’s work is accessible to everyone. Tanya has also gifted Roomie readers a 30% discount code on her prints till the 7th of December. Perfect for Christmas gifting! (see below for details)
We caught up for a chat with Tanya about her work and her home:
Image supplied by Your Home and Garden. Photographer: Helen Bankers
Your work has such a vibrant colour palette, which works with both neutral and colourful interiors – How would you describe your interior style, how does this inspire and/or reflect in your work?
I would describe my interior style as boho/jungalow, I love being surrounded by pattern and colour, my house is filled with muted brights, kilim rugs and an ever-growing plant collection. I think being surrounded by colour constantly, changes how I observe colour in the natural world and this is reflected in how I represent colour in my work
Is there any one designer or artist that has influenced your love of colour?
Yes, definitely Brazilian street artist Rimon Guimaraes, he is the ultimate in colour explosion, and pattern on pattern. Also, German artist Olaf Hajek for his muted folk colour’s and amazing painting style.
Interior-wise do you prefer old or new?
Probably a combination of both, it is important to have some things with a history and a connection to the past, but I also love contemporary design, especially when it is carrying on the conversation from past design eras. Such as the revival of mid-century modern. Handmade items are top of my list too. I have only ever lived in old houses and I must say that I love the sense of looking after an old house, continuing its life and giving it life.
What is on your interior wish list?
In a dream world it would be a painting by Australian Aboriginal artist Minnie Pwerle – who placed colour together like no other. But I would absolutely settle for a rattan peacock headboard and a Moroccan rug.
What is your most treasured interior item, and why?
My Nana blankets – you know the square colourful crotched blankets that can always be found in opp shops. I have a collection my nana made, not only are they super snuggly but I always find myself wondering about her colour choices and if they were planned or more about using up what wool was available.
What is your favourite room in the house, and why?
We live in a wonderfully small house, so it can feel like one big room sometimes, but we have micro spots, such as the blush pink armchair next to the open French doors – great for spotting kingfishers hunting out in the garden.
Tanya’s work and bio can be seen at www.tanyablong.com and you can follow her on Instagram
Use the code ‘roomienz’ to get a 30% discount to the 7th Dec 18
