Mother, farmer, artist- Madison Coulter draws inspiration from her deep connection with the outdoors and her upbringing in the Canadian wilderness to breathe life into her beautiful artwork. Entrusting her talent, we collaborated with Madison to create an illustration for a special T-shirt, where $10 from each purchased is dedicated to supporting Nest Collective, a charity close to our hearts. Prior to the launch, we spoke with Madison, delving into her artistic journey and life on her picturesque property in Geraldine.

You're originally from Canada, tell us a bit about your journey and how you ended up in Geraldine.

I grew up very rurally, a place called Toad River on the Alaska Highway. My family had a ranch and a hunting outfit and my sisters and I had a very unique childhood. One spent mostly horseback and in the outdoors. When I was 18 I came to New Zealand to work for a hunting outfit here. And met my now husband Sam.  After a few years of splitting our time between Canada and New Zealand we eventually settled here to raise our kids on the farm.

We love the glimpses of family life on the farm you give to your followers, walk us through a typical day in your life.

I love an early wake up with a coffee in hand. A run or bike ride before kids wake up if it all allows. Sourdough into the oven, cow to milk, sometimes it's also just a long drawn out coffee while cuddling the kids. My mornings are always changing with the seasons but generally are my favourite part of the day. Once the boys (Sam, and our 3 year old Harry) are off to the farm or kindy and Olivia's off to school I try and get straight to work drawing. Once everyone's home for the afternoon we either get out into the garden, head out for a pony ride, or are on the farm. Dinners usually way later than I'd like and it's always a cluster till bedtime but we love our afternoons together and one quick job on the farm tends to take far longer! Then once the kids are in bed I'm not far off from bed myself with a good book.

How much has your upbringing and life on the farm inspired your art practice?

It's inspired every part of my art practice, I love wildlife it's the main subject I draw and grew up drawing so seeing the animals up close and personal is a huge help and inspiration.

What was your process to create the beautiful Hare illustration you created for us?

Firstly I thought really hard on the pose and feeling of the piece. I wanted something that felt childlike and cheeky. A hare that felt a little mischievous but still realistic. I draw the outline and then slowly build the layers of colour once I'm happy.

Between being a Mum, life on the farm and creating your work, how do you take the time to 'escape from the everyday.'

I guess my escape really would be my time creating, I feel lost when I don't have that time in my days. It's a huge part of who I am and I'm so happy to be able to call it my Work.

For every Hare t-shirt sold, we are donating $10 to a charity close to our hearts, Nest Collective. The Nest Collective are a collective of volunteers across Aotearoa who work alongside social workers to ensure families are supported in their parenting journey. They provide beautiful packs of baby essentials to families in need.

Find the Madison and her beautiful work here.

And on instagram @madison_coulter_artist

Find more information on Nest Collective and the wonderful work they do here.

Images by Jess Howzen @jesshowzen.photography

Madison, Harry and Olivia wear:

(Click the image to view the product)