Seed muse
VOL. 5
Adrianne Dimitrakakis
Based between Byron Bay and the Mornington Peninsula, Adrianne Dimitrakakis creates bright, bold artwork that feels like summer. On top of serving as our artist in residence at Hôtel Seed, she’s our December Seed Muse. Read on to learn more about her inspiration, love of travel, and passion for summer.
- ARTIST
- TRAVELLER
- @atlas________atlas
Tell us about the Hôtel Seed artwork – what inspired you?
What feeling did you want to evoke?
I wanted it to bring that ‘60s California motel feel, the kind of art you might see on an
old matchbook, but of course much bigger. It’s the size of a door! I kept it super simple,
but I wanted it to feel like a holiday, and to have a sense of sunlight. You’re warm, you’re
relaxed, it’s an instant sigh of relief. It’s really my dream version of Hôtel Seed, with
that pool just ready to be dived into.
How would you describe your artistic style?
I generally say it’s travel nostalgia, with the old fonts and that worn-in texture. I want
my work to feel like a mural you’ve discovered overseas that’s always been there and has a
story. Really, I want to make someone’s day better, and for me that’s all about summer and
being in the sun.
Travel destinations are a common theme in your work - tell us more about
this influence.
I’ve been lucky to travel quite a lot. Before I left my last job to do art full time, I
worked on photo shoots for a surf company. With that role I went to the United States a
couple of times, Tahiti, the Maldives, and Hawaii. My dad is Greek, so I’ve been there a few
times too. Travel is what I love to do – it’s definitely where all my money goes. I’ve
recently done an exhibition based on the Mediterranean and now I’m looking back to Tahiti. I
love that tropical, raw, untouched feeling, all those shades of blue. My favourite places
are the ones that feel a bit more off the grid and undiscovered.
How has your work evolved over the years?
I used to be a graphic designer, so I’ve always had that love for fonts, and for design from
the ‘70s and ‘80s. When I left my last job in 2018, I was doing these delicate, minimal maps
and taking on a lot of commissions. Over time I wanted to find more of a sense of fun. I
thought, I just need to put paint to canvas and see what happens. It’s all just moved
forward from there. Last year, I did an art residency in Greece, and since I came home, I
feel like the universe has just opened up. The hard work is paying off. It’s half instinct,
half logic.
How has your work evolved over the years?
I used to be a graphic designer, so I’ve always had that love for fonts, and for design from
the ‘70s and ‘80s. When I left my last job in 2018, I was doing these delicate, minimal maps
and taking on a lot of commissions. Over time I wanted to find more of a sense of fun. I
thought, I just need to put paint to canvas and see what happens. It’s all just moved
forward from there. Last year, I did an art residency in Greece, and since I came home, I
feel like the universe has just opened up. The hard work is paying off. It’s half instinct,
half logic.
Your work feels like summer. What are your favourite summer
moments?
My perfect day in Byron would be to get up at 6.30 or 7 and head straight to the beach – up
there that feels late. I’d swim first thing in the morning, hang out at the beach all day,
get some fresh fruit from the market, and then head back to the house for a cook-up. Those
little moments, the smell of sunscreen and surfboard wax and the ocean, it’s just my
favourite thing. This summer, I’m heading down to Tasmania with some friends for a camping
trip. I can’t wait to find some empty beaches and beautiful water.
You use a lot of colour in your work – does that translate to your
personal style too?
It definitely does. The other day I had my wardrobe open, and my boyfriend was laughing at
me – it’s all the same colours I paint with. Bright green, bright red, coral, and then
plenty of neutrals too to wear it all with. I want to be one of those people who colour
coordinates their wardrobe but I’m just too messy for that. I prefer to throw it together
and see what happens. I’d always rather be dressed down than dressed up.
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