Este MacLeod

Esté’s creative practice stems from a deep, lifelong need to create that has been with her since childhood—even as a toddler her parents recognised her artistic obsession. Working intuitively, Esté allows her paintings to develop organically over time with careful observation, with sketches and drawing forming important parts of her creative process.

Colour serves as the principle element in her work, applied in multiple layers with an intention to surprise, evoke calming emotions and to inspire joy. Her art is characterised by an ethereal quality that emerges from interplaying contrasting colours, creating harmony between objects and the space around them and paying attention to detail that generates subtle rhythms.

Inspiration & Style

Esté's art is informed by both the real and the imaginary. Her work draws inspiration from the natural world, changing seasons, travel experiences, dreams, sentiments, and thoughts. Like a curious magpie, she is always looking for something to inspire a new artwork or design that she can adapt in ways to share with others.

Her background in textile and ceramic design is evident in the stylised, abundant and colourful forms used in her distinctive floral and bird designs.

By experimenting with the layering of colours, patterns, textures and mark-making, and by using her trademark floral and simplified plant forms, Esté's iconic style always retains a freshness. She employs various painting techniques to enrich her work, creating an ethereal element in her art.