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WHEN high-flying Sally Bosson isn’t jetting off to some exotic location she is busy drawing pretty illustrations to brighten up people’s homes and lives.
The 27-year-old British flight attendant always had an affinity to art, doodling and has been designing stand-alone prints as well as silhouettes since she was a teenager.
She would often use her hobby as a therapeutic tool to relax and escape from the everyday hustle and bustle of life. Little did she know that someday her sensational sketches would captivate others and blossom into a colourful business.
Sally, from Amwaj Islands, said: “I have always loved working with patterns and detailed illustrations. I painted and etched different designs to relieve stress after work hours or when I was on standby to fly.
“I originally started with illustrations as stand-alone pieces but then when a friend said the drawings would look good on birthday cards I thought of developing the idea and started making my own greeting cards. It was soon after that I realised there was a lot more I could do.”
Inspired by geometric Islamic art-work, henna designs and traditional Indian mandala symbols, Sally began to paint and print her way into the hearts of art lovers across the kingdom with a range of customised shoes, phone covers and greeting cards.
She said: “The customised phone covers featuring geometric designs are particularly popular and I recently started drawing dog portraits inspired by my dachshund Penny with funny sayings on them. Another stars an animal and a feature called ‘Pug Life’.
“I also sketch on a variety of pumps. The baby shoes are quite popular but I do draw on adult size shoes too.
“I have also designed murals and even a few wall panels. I designed one wall panel for the interior of a super yacht which was a lot of fun to do. I’m hoping soon to add scarves and bags to my collection.
“I can customise many things with my designs so whatever people want they simply have to ask. For my own personal pleasure and for my home I’ve drawn on glasses, vases, photo frames and have even jazzed up my speakers! Next on my list is my water cooler.”
For top quality finishes, Sally uses a variety of different paints and pencils as well as a computer programme for any print work required.
The time it takes to complete an assignment often depends on the detail demanded and some can take up to a week to complete.
Sally said: “The design part takes the longest time so it depends on that as some are obviously more complicated than others. Once I have the basic design completed, the painting takes about an hour or so.
“The best part of my work is seeing the end result and the smile on my client’s face. To see my art bring someone joy makes me so happy.”
Sally’s cards cost BD2 and phone covers vary from BD6 prints to hand-painted covers from BD8 onwards. Her baby shoes, that she receives many requests for, as presents for showers and newborn treats, start from BD15. Prices for adult shoes can vary depending on design and size. Sally’s canvases also start from BD10.
Readers can catch her work on display at various local arts and crafts events and markets. For further details visit her Facebook page entitled Penny Vanilla or on Instagram @pennyvanilla
