hope&plum Guest Artist: Meet Maria Rein

Hi! I'm Maria, an artist, print designer, and mother from Norway. I create joyful, whimsical artwork inspired by nature, everyday moments, and a love of color. I love spending time in my garden, reading, and playing with my children, and many of those small, happy moments find their way into my art.

I've always loved art. When I was a child, I wanted to be a cartoonist. I took every art class I could find, but everyone told me there was no money in art and that I should get a sensible job. So naturally, I became an art teacher.

I worked as a teacher for over ten years before finally finding the courage to quit and start my own design business. It was a big leap, but one I've never regretted.

Inspiration is truly everywhere. I take photos when I'm out and about, and I scribble ideas on Post-it notes, the backs of receipts, and in various sketchbooks and journals—anywhere, really. I always have a long list of things I want to make.

I try to create art every day, and most days I do, even if it's only for a little while. My goal is always to spend more time making art and less time answering emails.

The freedom, discovery, and play. I love the happy little accidents that happen along the way and seeing an idea slowly come to life.

We have a lovely, slightly wild garden filled with flowers and shrubs, including nepeta. Our cat, and many of the neighborhood cats, love to spend time there, often hiding among the flowers and under the bushes. Sometimes they'll completely surprise me by suddenly appearing out of nowhere.

I love painting flowers, and I thought it would be fun to create a print inspired by a flower-filled garden with sneaky little cats tucked among the blooms.

Both of my children wanted to be held all the time when they were little, so baby carriers were a lifesaver. Not only do they free up your hands, but they also make it so much easier to bring your little ones along on everyday adventures. Babywearing gave me the freedom to get things done while still keeping my babies close.