SuperstylingUK

I do love a cushion. I feel my sofa isn’t ‘dressed’ until it has quite a few adorning it and as for beds, it’s always nice to have a plethora of cushions strewn over them in wild abandon!

ABSTRACT CUSHIONS

So I was so excited when my fabulous friend Susi Bellamy told me she was designing a range of cushions. She described them as “Art for the Sofa”. I knew they were going to be beautiful due to Susi’s fashion and art background, but in fact I really was mesmerised by them with their strong design and captivating colour.

CUSHIONS AND ARTWORK

I’m always intrigued to know what Susi is up to. Having first laid eyes on her when I was 5 years old, we have spookily enough gone to the same primary school in Cardiff, the same senior school in Bristol and then blow me down when I started London College of Fashion there she was in the same Fashion Journalism class as me. I’m still trying to work out who’s stalking who!

ABSTREACT CUSHIONS

From those London College of Fashion days. Susi too went on to be a Fashion Editor on magazines working with such photographers as David Bailey and Norman Parkinson.

MADONNA COLLECTION

After marrying  lovely husband Michael, the Bellamy family grew quickly and always seemed to be on the move. From London, to The States, Suffolk to Northumberland – I can tell you it’s made quite a hash of my address book.

MADONNA COLLECTION

But it was the family’s move to Florence that seems to have had the biggest impact on Susi’s work. Having always been very creative, it was when they moved to Florence that her art really flourished. Taking inspiration from the ancient palazzo walls, Susi created her stunning abstract work by layering and marbling rich and vibrantly coloured acrylic paint. The iconic paintings of the early Italian artists were also a huge influence with Susi’s Madonna collage work. Coupled with a strong flair for interiors, designing cushions using this artwork was a natural progression for Susi. Each cushion is 50cm square, the design is printed on silk like polyester and retails at £95.

SUSI’S ARTWORK

Moving back to The UK, Susi has now completed a MA in Fine Art from Northumbria University and works in studios in Newcastle.

I’m really proud of my friend and all her amazing achievements so far. I don’t think Susi’s plans stop here. She’ll always be one to watch!

Take a look at her website www.susi-bellamy.com  There’s a special Christmas 20% discount to SuperStylingUK readers. Just use the code susi20 at the online checkout.

SUSI BELLAMY