20 Top Instagram Accounts to Follow for Artistic Inspiration
Jul 31, 2020
One of the questions that I get most frequently asked is where to look for inspiration - and with that in mind, I wanted to share twenty of my favourite art, design and lifestyle accounts which I check out daily. These accounts straddle a huge cross-section of art and design practices, including fashion, set design, installation art, paper art, architecture, gardening and photography and it’s my hope that at least a few of these will inspire your next creation!
Let’s dive in!
Founded by the late legendary architect, Zaha Hadid, her company’s account is a visual joy to behold. With a practice going back 25+ years, Hadid’s work was and is both futuristic and visionary whilst still remaining utterly stylish. I often think that each and every structure could become the inspiration for a floral installation.
2 - @MareoRodriguez
One of my absolute favourite artists, with a practice spanning sculpture, installation and painting, his work is an education in form and line, without the use of excess colour, noise, or distractions. Sublime.
Heather Knight’s work is a joyous study of both form and repetition with her popular clay titles reminiscent of seeds, coral and a myriad of plant forms. Elegant, simple, and a masterclass in the use of repetition to strengthen a form. Beyond wonderful.
If you’re looking to experience page after page of mind-blowing classical architecture without ever having to leave your living room, Versaille Sadness will leave you yearning for more. I especially love this page, and I’ll often find myself daydreaming of installations and events that I’d design within the spaces they feature.
Danielle Krysa’s mission is to share with you a selection of work from the World’s most talented, cool, relevant artists - enough so that their work will make you crazy jealous - jealous enough to inspire you to get back into your studio to continue your own good fight. I especially recommend Danielle’s podcast too - I often listen to it on my drive into my studio.
6 - @Trend.board
Trendboard will shock you, make you laugh, snort, or send their posts immediately to several of your most fashion conscious friends. Showcasing a curation of the world’s most avant-garde fashion and accessories, I guarantee that not everything will be to your taste, but inspiration can most definitely be found there.
7 - @FordeAbbey
Is the Instagram account of the sensational Forde Abbey and gardens, located in Dorset, England. The 1,600 acre estate is a privately owned former Cistercian monastery, which is stunning beyond belief, and their account tells the story of their breathtaking gardens, combined with beautifully written captions too. One not to miss!
8 - @IrisVanHerpen
Iris Van Herpen is a haute couture fashion designer, who’s incredible creations of wearable art will never fail to blow your mind. Every single season I look forward to what she’ll create, from fluid oscillating gowns to skeletal structures, her work is a masterclass in design.
9 - @Archdigest
It wouldn’t be possible for me to create a list of my top ten inspirational accounts without mentioning Architectural Digest. Give their account a follow for stylish interiors, contemporary design, and innovative architecture.
10 - @TimWalkerfans
Last year I was lucky enough to visit the Tim Walker exhibition at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London to see some of Tim Walker’s photography in person for the first time, and it did not disappoint. Filled with whimsy, fantasy and fashion, Tim is truly a genius, and I dare you not to be inspired by his work.
11 - @StoreyRobert
Robert Storey is a London based set designer, and the founder of Storey Studio. The studio’s work is contemporary and smart, smart, smart beyond belief. With clients including Hermes, the Victoria & Albert Museum, and Prada, you will delight in his contemporary sense of both colour and form. Look out for their plant filled office space too - it’s green goals.
12 - @TiffanieTurner
Is a legend in the World of paper flowers, and her accolades are well and truly deserved. Her work examines both beauty and imperfection, reality and fantasy, and straddles both art and design. She is one of my favourite accounts to follow on Instagram - I get the feeling she’d be good fun to have drinks with too. ;)
13 - @GeorgiaRoseHardy
A self-portrait artist based in the North of England, Rosie Hardy is the artist behind some of the most magical visuals I have ever seen. Every single portrait she publishes is packed with whimsy, romance, heartache and humanity. Her work will delight and amaze you, and I guarantee you’ll keep coming back for more.
14 - @Mcqueen_Vault
Created by J. Chimaeraman, McQueen Vault is an exploration of his 20 year archive of the house of Alexander McQueen. Featuring some of the rarest and most exquisite imagery from McQueen, from present day and reaching right back to the roots of the house. This account is a must follow if you create floral wearables, floral fashion or floral accessories.
15 - @Kathrin_Marchenko
Is an embroidery artist, who creates the most incredible visions using only thread and tulle. Her work is truly magical, and is a masterclass in light, shadow and colour work. Simply follow. You will not be disappointed.
16 - @GraciousOpulence
No, not the name of my soon to be released autobiography, but instead a divine account featuring some of the World’s most luxurious gardens, homes and views. “Unapologetically and sumptuously following my bliss” is the title of the account, and I couldn’t agree more. A delicious indulgence.
17 - @Pheromone_Christophermarley
Christopher Marley is a fine artist creating three dimensional works using insects, flora, and fauna, in an ethically sourced manner. This account might not be for everyone, but for those with a curiosity into the splendour of the natural world, I highly recommend it.
18 - @Adele.D.Riley
Manchester born, London based fiber artist Adele Deloris Riley is a genius. Her work explores the juxtaposition between colour and texture, and each of her pieces reminds me of the floral composition that I’ll next be dying to create. Her work features up-cycled fabrics, and transforms them into incredible works of art. Enjoy.
19 - @Kate_Mccgwire
If you aren’t already following Kate, then please stop reading this post immediately and do so. Kate is a visionary sculptor whose chosen medium for her work is feathers - and frankly her installations and sculptures will blow your mind. Her work often is represented in undulating, rippling forms, is a study of sublime form, texture and rhythm. Intriguing, powerful, and exquisite.
20 - @MckinneyArtist
Michelle McKinney is one of my favourite artists, and I’m lucky enough to have two pieces of her work in my collection. Working exclusively with woven metal, Michelle cuts, shapes, burns, and welds all manner of metals into the most ephemeral of forms. I’m a huge fan of her botanical studies, and she has recently branched out into human studies too.
Enjoy!
Artist. Educator. Writer. Broadcaster.
