Emily Carter is an award-winning British designer specialising in hand-illustrated silk accessories and interiors. The collections are inspired by a lifelong interest in the natural world, where each design tells its own unique and individual story. Vault Editions sat down with Emily to talk about why the natural world inspires her work, the importance of manufacturing locally, her design process and more. Let’s go!

We may consider animal painting as a minor tributary of art history, something decorative, a background element. D’Hondecoeter invites us to look carefully at other creatures, to resist the habit of treating them as a background or supporting characters, and to find in their behaviour something that reflects our own. 

Chilean artist Joanne E. Hawthorn has created a tender, dreamlike universe filled with tiny guardians, medieval references, and beautifully crafted stories. Her multidisciplinary practice spans illustration, sculpture, pixel art, and worldbuilding, each piece adding another thread to the rich, atmospheric realm she’s developing. We spoke with Joanne to learn more about her creative process, the characters she brings to life, and the inspirations behind her enchanting world.

Hendrick Goltzius was a Dutch engraver and painter whose astonishing technical skill shaped the work of his contemporaries and generations beyond. Today, we’ll look closely at two of his signature engraving techniques, the swelling line and the dot and lozenge method, exploring how they work, why they matter, and studying some beautiful examples along the way.

Richey Beckett is a pen-and-ink illustrator based in rural Wales, known for his intricately detailed linework and richly atmospheric style. Drawing on influences such as Doré, Dürer, Virgil Finlay, Art Nouveau, psychedelia, and the natural world, he has developed a distinctive and evocative visual language. We spoke to Richey about his creative process, his influences and he shares insights into his fascinating professional career. Lets go! 

Vorja Sánchez is known for creating intricate, dreamlike artworks inspired by nature from his studio in Barcelona. His creative practice blends fantasy with scientific observation, drawing on organic forms and natural history. Vault Editions sat down with Vorja to learn more about his creative process, where he finds inspiration, and the intention behind his work - let’s go!

Tenebrism describes a way of painting in which darkness plays a dominant role, learn about this technique and what makes it distinct from chiaroscuro. 

Today we're looking at five iconic examples of protective imagery in art history and its lasting influence on artists and designers.

The Exquisite Corpse breaks the habit of over-planning and loosens the grip of authorship. It encourages participants to collaborate rather than control, to accept awkward joins, imperfections, and absurdity, and to value the process over a polished outcome.