Nanami Cowdroy is an Australian artist with both Japanese and European ancestors. Her mixed heritage has influenced her art style dramatically, and elements of both cultures are apparent in her choice of subject matter and her artistic style. Cowdroy’s illustrations are hand-drawn and painted in black ink on white card and finished with a bright red signature stamp. The stark contrast of her monochromatic style adds a stylish appeal to her works and give her scenes a sense of serenity even though the scenes are highly detailed and packed with imagery.
Cowdroy builds her pieces from organic patterns found in nature, such as birds’ wings, fish scales and water textures. Her highly detailed approach to her illustrations give them a realistic element; reflecting the fact that nothing in nature is simple but instead highly complex and interesting.
Many of her subjects seem delicate or fragile on the surface and yet become powerful in relation to other elements of the art work. Vulnerable women, precious animals and plants and fragile origami animals are given strength in her work as they become part of a whole through their relationship with each other in the art work. While each element on it’s own may seem small and vulnerable, they don’t stand alone in her art works and instead work with each other in supportive roles to create a unity that strengthens each element.
If you would like to contact this artist or see more of her Euro-Japanese illustrations, take a look at Nanami Cowdroy’s elegant website.
