Lily Upton

Lily Adelaide Upton’s work is a contemporary celebration of Aussie natives. Drawing on her diverse surroundings, she captures the essence of Australia’s spectacular flora and fauna in rich embroidery. While riding her bike to work, she spots rainbow lorikeets, honeyeaters, rosellas, galahs, corellas and many eucalyptus varieties, which fill her head with lots of creative ideas.

“I would describe my work as colourful, detailed, textural and ever so slightly kitsch,” says the South Australian artist. “This is because I love to clash colours, which is not always up everyone’s street. In saying that, I do also love using natural and earthy tones. My work really does reflect nature in that way.” Lily puts a fresh spin on botanical and avian designs, creating pieces that are both beautiful and functional. Her embroidered birds and plants find themselves in diverse habitats — on upcycled denim jackets and jeans, embroidery hoops, earrings and brooches.