Brush with Flame: Behind the Scenes with Artist Adele Naidoo

"She blooms wild and burns bright"

A celebration of bold, strong and inspirational mother figures.

WELCOME TO DUSK'S MOTHER'S DAY 2023

With a feminine focus on native florals and a backbone of aromatherapy scents, our Mother’s Day collection heralds the evergreen beauty and resilience mums embody.

With this in mind, dusk had the privilege and pleasure of collaborating with Perth-based artist Adele Naidoo in a generous partnership of creativity. Adele’s trademark floral artwork, pastel colour palette and unique style struck a chord with the soft yet strong message of this Mother’s Day. Adorning packaging and product, Adele’s artwork was the perfect fit for dusk’s suite of sweet gifting ideas.

As we deep dive into discussion with Adele sifting through her creative toolkit, we dissect the influences that have formed her artistic vision from the people who guided her journey, to her South African upbringing to too good to be true international opportunities.

Let's start off with what inspired you to become an artist?

AN: “Having a father as an artist and art teacher allowed me to appreciate beauty and colour. I was fortunate enough to have my creativity nurtured at an early age and, art became my passion. I obtained my Bachelor's Degree in Education but my passion for art, design, and interior styling, led me to complete a Diploma in Interior Design while working as an art teacher. In 2019 an amazing opportunity presented itself in Shanghai to be an art director for an international kindergarten. My time in Shanghai allowed me to experiment and establish my brand, create a website and start selling art on my own. We now have been back in Perth where I work full time on my art.”

Can you talk to us about the elements behind your signature style and use of colour?

AN: “Feminine, relaxed-luxe, a calm palette with pops of colour, pastels and rich earthy tones – are all words that sing to me when painting or drawing a new piece. I combine both acrylic paints and digital art. Large scale florals, thick, textured brush strokes, dripping paint on a subdued pastel or contrasting moody background is my signature style.”

Your artwork has a strong focus on florals and blooms, where did this love for nature stem from?

AN: “Growing up in South Africa I remember long holiday drives  – looking out the car window noticing huge king proteas growing wild on the road side. I was always mesmerised at how perfect flowers were structurally, how they grow in all shapes, sizes and colours. How they provide food for so many creatures as well as their amazing scents. What I love most about working with flowers in my art is the colour combinations and compositions, playing with the tones in each flower and adding complementary flowers and background colours.”

We’re so proud of this collection! Can you share what this collaboration with dusk means to you and what drew you to this project?

AN: “What a dream come true this collab has been and definitely the highlight of my art career to date. Dusk holds a special place in my heart because it is my mother’s favourite brand. When we first moved to Australia, dusk was the first store that captivated her and every year she adds to her dusk collection – the dusk range is proudly displayed throughout her home and it is so surreal to now see my art on products I’ve seen in her home all these years.

Whenever I go to the mall and go into dusk I ALWAYS have the best encounters with team members, this has definitely been the same with the dusk team throughout our collab process, what a beautiful journey it has been over the months.”

What is it about dusk products that you feel aligns with your style?

AN: “The sense of calm and creating a space in your home that you can relax in. Dusk products allow you to make your home your happy place, your safe haven and that is exactly what I endeavour to create with my art in homes across Australia and New Zealand.”

Our Mother’s Day range utilizes your iconic floral designs from your Wanderlust and Boho Muse collections. What was the inspiration behind these two collections?

AN: “Both Wanderlust and Boho Muse collections were created with the same vision and inspiration in mind. My ethos behind these two collections stemmed from a hope that … this collection instils calmness in you, a reminder to stop and smell the flowers, to breathe, and to allow your mind to find peace. When creating these collections my mind was transported to beachy destinations, wanderlust consumed me as I found myself being inspired by nature, dreams, desert landscapes, and soft, earthy palettes.”

What would be your ultimate dream for people to think or feel when owning a dusk x Adele Naidoo product?

AN: “I hope they feel exactly what my collection was created for – to find a sense of calm, to create warmth and serenity in their homes – when lighting one of the beautifully scented candles, using the essential oils or sprays I hope they take a breath and unwind from the busyness of life, I hope they are able to use the products as a daily ritual that gives them all those feel good vibes.”

Pivoting slightly to draw on your artistic eye. Can you share any fail-safe tips to transform a space?

AN: “Definitely starting with a statement art piece when transforming a space. Art acts as the foundation – use colours in the art to give you guidance when choosing all styling pieces and décor. Using tones in the art throughout the room will give a cohesive, curated feel. Adding scents such as candles, essential oils and lighting is also a great way to set the mood and transform a space holistically.”

What are your top three dusk products that tempt you into a store?

AN: “I always get drawn in with the display of MoodMist® diffusers, that subtle mist that smells SO good gets me in store every time.

I am a candle lover so second would have to be the Belladonna range of candles, I love that they come in the smaller and large size which both allow for hours of burn time, but the thing I love most about it is the gorgeous jar with a lid so no dust collects in the candle and the fragrance is always so fresh. 

And third is the room sprays – I love that I can instantly freshen up a room and with a wide range each room can have a different scent profile – which is also great to set the mood in each area of your home when guests arrive.”

You’re limited to one scent only (think your desert island fragrance) – what scent would it be and why?

AN: “My forever scent is from this collab – white magnolia and apple – it takes me back to my wedding in New Zealand – the streets were lined with magnolia trees and that scent makes me nostalgic – the hint of apple is subtle and adds a slight sweetness without being too sweet. I love that it is also refreshing and clean.”

Can we have a sneak peek of what’s in store next for Adele Naidoo?

AN: “I have just launched a new paper print collection ‘Bloom’ which I am very excited about. Future plans in the pipeline are experimenting with my florals on textiles and décor items. I can envision a homewares or fashion collection but waiting for creative flow to come naturally with these.”

Last parting words while we have you – drawing on your experience can you share a message or mantra for aspiring female artists?

AN: “Work hard, dream big and most importantly never give up because that dream was planted in your heart for a reason. Keep on experimenting and practicing your craft until you find your signature style that is unique to you and no one else.”

Shop the limited edition dusk x Adele Naidoo Collection HERE