A few years ago whilst pouring over our monthly design magazines for inspiration, we fell in love with photographer Brigid Arnott’s atmospheric and textural images and knew that she would make the perfect fit for many of our projects. Since then we have joyfully collaborated on Rockwall Crescent, Macleay Street Ikon II, Knox Street and more recently our stunningly eclectic and colourful Lang Road, which has just been published in the Andrew Martin Interior Design Review Vol. 25.
It is apparent when scrolling through Brigid’s portfolio she has a talent for capturing the emotion and sentiment of a time and place through her lens. She posesses a unique eye that is inspiring to watch in action, one might almost say magical. Brigid is a warm, humourous and altruistic artist who has not only captured our projects so beautifully, but also our hearts.
We are humbled that Brigid took a candid moment to step away from the camera and open up about life behind the lens.
Which three words best describe you?
Natural, ambitious, capable
What did you want to be growing up?
I wanted to be an actress but realised that I had no talent!
What did you do to earn your first pay packet?
My first real job out of school was with Australian Himalayan Expeditions (now World Expeditions) as a receptionist. That was a pivotal moment. I was exposed to true adventurers, people who had climbed Mt Everest, crossed the Antarctic alone, rafted down the wildest rivers in the world . . .
It was inspiring to say the very least and I was introduced to travel and a love of the world. I couldn’t wait to get out there!
What's the best life lesson you have learnt along the way?
I’ve had the opportunity to photograph successful creative people and the one asset they all share is their work ethic. It seems that the one thing that consistently works is hard work.
What's your proudest achievement?
Making a career in a creative space and loving it.
Who inspires you?
Brave people who speak out. I am currently inspired and amazed by Greta Thunberg and Grace Tame. It comes with some sacrifice on their part but they are brave individuals. Oh! And also Jeff Koons. I love the freedom in his ideas.
What is your biggest vice?
Wheat in all of it’s glorious delicious forms.
DO YOU FOLLOW TRENDS OR ARE YOU A TRENDSETTER?
I think I am neither but just sit in a world to the side of trends where I dip in and out when I like them or understand them.
What dream do you still want to fulfil?
There are so many dreams and most have to do with travel to mountainous places with snow-covered peaks.
Where did your love of photography come from?
At a very early age I loved a book my mother had on Adobe architecture and the works of Georgia O’Keefe. The portraits of her by her husband Alfred Stieglitz stayed with me. The framing, light, texture and storytelling was a blend somewhere between art and documenting. Work like this, a love of travel, beautiful interiors and a New York magazine called Spotlight, cemented photography for me.
What is your most favourite AKD image you have captured?
That sofa!
What does it mean to you to have your photographs featured in the Andrew Martin INTERIOR DESIGN Review VOL. 25?
I feel honoured that AKD trusted me to shoot the beautiful Lang Road and am so happy that it was judged well by such an esteemed panel. It is an honour.
What do you love most about working with AKD?
The AKD dream team of course! The interiors are always unexpected and beautifully stylish, so it’s such a pleasure to work in. They are beyond trend and are timeless.