Book a stay at Port Hotel in Eastbourne this Valentines and enhance your stay with a ltd edition art print by East Sussex based artist and illustrator Chiara Perano.

We caught up with Chiara to tell us more about her move to the sunshine coast, where she’s currently drawing inspiration from and some great East Sussex must-visits when you stay at Port.

Over to Chiara to tell us more…

You fairly recently moved from London to the East Sussex coast. What drew you to these shores?

We came to visit St Leonards on the recommendation of a friend and we loved it from the moment we got here, even though it was lockdown and very quiet. It just felt like such a refreshing change, loads of interesting things going on, beautiful architecture, a lovely community. We knew we wanted to make a home here and bring up our kids by the sea. We got stuck into a huge house renovation project straight away.

Have you found your new surrounds have influenced your work?

Yes hugely. I’ve been lucky to meet a brilliant collective of artist mothers since moving here, called 'Babes in Arms’ and I have done two group shows on Motherhood which has been an amazing experience - it’s a great creative community. I do also feel so inspired by being close to the sea, watching the changing seasons and colours so much closer, and the night sky feels so epic, I’ve started to write about this in my monthly newsletter. It’s so invigorating to start the day with a beach walk and a hot drink in the winter. I’ve recently started a ceramics course and I’m aiming to create some pieces inspired by natural shell forms that I’ve found.

Where do you draw inspiration from?

From nature, colour theories and from old Italian work and artists. I love the slow and simple back to nature ethos, and my work has that sort of simplicity to it, finding joy in the small natural world, but with a modern edge. I’m currently looking at old frescoes and picking bits to reinvent in my pattern work too.

Are there common narratives in your work?

Yes probably, and I’m always drawn to similar colours. You can expect flowers, the stars, the sea, food, a strong feminine edge. And usually some form of typography - I’ve always loved involving a graphic element.

What are some of your proudest moments?

It was great to exhibit my first original painting on canvas at a gallery here in St Leonards, and my piece sold as the show opened!

Tell us a bit about the inspiration behind your limited edition Valentines print.

The piece can mean ‘Only You’, as a message from a devoted lover, or it can mean ‘Only You’ as a reminder to be true to yourself. I created it with neutral, natural colours and a single flower to depict devotion.

And finally - any top tips for must-visit places in East Sussex?

I’m loyal to St Leonards-on-Sea, with its brilliant antique shops, Starsky & Hatch for delicious food and drink on the beach, and Big Yin art gallery. But, I’m desperate to get to Charleston and immerse myself in the painted world and gardens, and Tillingham is the spot for wine & excellent pizza with a country view.

To see more of Chiara’s work see her website and follow her Instagram here.

Port Calls Chiara Perano