A Glimpse into Rusty's Studio

Our talented gallery artist, Rusty kindly welcomed us into her Deptford studio for an afternoon of conversation, creativity, and plenty of inspiration.

Stepping inside, I was immediately struck by the vibrant energy of the space—bold colours, intricate patterns, and lush greenery filled the room, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Among the welcoming committee was Rusty’s beautiful pup, Shrimp, who, despite some initial shyness, quickly got comfortable under her mum’s jumper.

While Rusty popped into the kitchen to make us a cup of tea - first, I got some licks of approval from Shrimp - before taking the chance to explore and snap the studio. Lining the walls were large canvases depicting striking female figures—both nudes and portraits—rendered in a scale that Rusty feels most at home working within. Notably she showcased a similar series of large ‘Muses’ at Whistles' flagship store in St Christopher’s Place, London in 2022. These expansive pieces exuded a sense of power and confidence, their subjects appearing both intimate and bold. In contrast, scattered among them were smaller works, showcasing a more intricate and detailed side of her practice.

Pattern plays a significant role in Rusty’s work, a theme that became even more evident as I took in her moodboard wall. A patchwork of textures, textiles, and visual references, it offered a fascinating insight into her artistic influences. Snippets of fabric, fashion photography, and abstract motifs wove together to create a dynamic tapestry of inspiration, bridging her background in fashion and textiles with her contemporary painting practice.

One of my highlights of the visit was the opportunity to flick through Rusty’s sketchbooks—an intimate glimpse into the raw, unfiltered stages of her process. Page after page revealed rapid sketches, layered compositions, and experimental ideas, each offering a behind-the-scenes look at how her ideas evolve from concept to canvas. It felt like pulling back the curtain on an artist’s mind, witnessing the intricate dance between structure and spontaneity that defines her work.

As we settled in with our tea, the conversation turned to process. Rusty shared that she has recently begun exploring collage—experimenting with cutting, pasting, and layering elements to build her compositions. This new approach allows her to play with different textures and forms, linking back to her studies in fashion and textiles. She spoke about the importance of starting the year by putting pen to paper, taking time to explore new ideas before diving into production. This balance between making and experimenting is crucial, ensuring that each piece is not just an extension of her past work but a progression into new creative territory.

It’s clear that 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year for Rusty. Since introducing her in October last year, she has quickly become a favourite among our collectors, with her small, unique paintings selling out almost instantly. What's more, we have two more small pieces becoming available very soon! Be sure to subscribe to be the first to hear about new works and studio updates.

As she refines her vision and continues to push the boundaries of her practice, we can’t wait to see what unfolds next.

Explore Rusty’s available works here.