Artist feature: Abi Overland

Local artist Abi Overland has a distinct style, creating instantly recognisable artwork across the island. When choosing an artist for the Jersey Opera House 125 Years stamp issue, Abi was an easy choice.

The team at Jersey Stamps got in touch with Abi to discuss how she became an artist and learn more about her process when it came to creating the illustrations for the issue.

Abi mentioned that she felt incredibly lucky to know from a young age that she wanted to be an artist. She remarked a moment during her childhood when she was being taught to write and remembered being outraged that she had a pencil in her hand but instead of drawing, she was instead forced to write!

Abi further went on to say: “Drawing is the one thing I could do (and do do) all day every single day and never get bored of doing it, I can’t imagine a world where I don’t get to do this and be as happy as I am right now.”

The typical subjects she likes to paint are elements that spark joy in her, especially in everyday normal things that might otherwise get taken for granted.

Jersey Stamps asked if Abi hadn’t pursued a career in art, what other career would she have pursued, in response Abi said:

“There are so many industries that interest me greatly but there really is nothing I’d want to do with the same enthusiasm that I have for art, so it would probably be working for a charity or helping the community in some way or another. Besides art I think acts of service are one of the best ways to get the most joy and satisfaction out of life.”

To develop her skills as an artist, Abi studied illustration at the University of Brighton, which allowed her to work alongside other creatives who shared her enthusiasm for the subject. The degree course also helped her explore and develop her distinctive style and approach to art.

The type of artwork Abi enjoys creating are illustrations focused on intricate detail (perfect for stamps, and with that comes the element of time and patience required to capture every small feature.

Abi’s approach leads her to a mediative state that allows her to focus and slow down in order to produce her final illustrations. During the interview she noted: “We live in such a fast-paced world that to see and do something that takes time is a way to slow it all down a bit. I see my work as a form of escapism when the outside world is getting you down.”

With so many different trends, Abi remarked that she tends to make a habit of working in parallel to them, saying: “I think to be authentically yourself in a world filled with algorithms and competition is the best way to be, even if it’s not quite so commercial.”

Talking about what it was like working with Jersey Stamps on the issue, Abi said: “It was great working with Holly at Jersey Stamps to come up with the designs and considering how beautiful the Opera House and its renovation is, and how much history is within its walls, it made for a very easy and enjoyable task to create the collection.”

A motto Abi often thinks of when it comes to her career as an artist is from Graphic Designer Paula Sacha, who said: “You have to be in a state of play to design. If you’re not in a state of play you can’t make anything. Thinking too seriously or stiffly about your designs will not get you anywhere creatively; it will only restrict you.”

This resonates deeply with Abi as for her, art is about seeing the fun and joy in life, and she noted: “..you can’t do it if you’re not going to have fun with it.”