About Me

I am an illustrator based in Scotland, creating detailed ink illustrations and ceramics rooted in the realms of folklore, wild places, landscape and history. My interest in traditional stories was born from a feeling of disconnection with the land around me and partly as a reaction to the climate crisis. I believe that we can strengthen our connection with nature through the exploration of folklore and land enchantment; continuing to build on folklore as a living tradition. I am particularly interested in Scottish folklore, culture and history and the way that it relates to land and perceptions of nature. Much of my work explores these concepts, which I visualise through intricate ink drawings, watercolour paintings, printmaking, and ceramics. Each project is underpinned by a desire to conduct explorative and thorough research, especially archival and location-based research which I record in drawing journals and sketchbooks.

Book Illustration

My main focus is book illustration, both fiction and non-fiction, particularly inspired by traditional illustrators such as Arthur Rackham, Alan Lee and John Bauer. I have a keen interest in anything related to folklore and folktales, especially traditional stories from Scotland. For the last two years I have been working on an ongoing book project collecting and illustrating folk tales and folklore from the Outer Hebrides. Recently I have been working on a few Scottish folklore projects illustrating stories told by Orcadian storyteller Tom Muir and tradition bearer Duncan Williamson.

Other book illustration projects include scientific illustrations of insects for a published non-fiction book, illustrations for short stories by Edgar Allen Poe and HP Lovecraft published by Helios House Press, an early stages project for Penguin Random House, illustrations for a BBC ALBA documentary covering Bram Stoker’s Dracula as well as illustrations for zines.

Other Work

My other avenue of commercial work is poster design and merchandise for events, musicians and festivals. I have been working in this industry for 9 years and clients include Beltane Fire Festival, the Scottish Storytelling Centre and Young Edinburgh Storytellers. I have also illustrated for activist groups The Stars Are for Everyone and Right to Roam to protest land access rights.

If you would like to discuss a commission, please email me at hesterasplandillustration@gmail.com
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