We’re excited to feature the talented Tabby Booth, an artist from Cornwall whose work brings a vibrant life to the world of animals and silhouettes. Tabby’s journey as an artist has flourished over the past 18 months, and her passion for creating distinctive, character-driven pieces is at the heart of everything she does.
For her FARLY collection, Tabby has created ten beautiful pieces inspired by birds. The collection goes live at FARLY.co this Sunday, 23rd February. However, our paid Substack subscribers will receive exclusive two-day early access to the Spotlight collection before it opens to the public—along with a secret discount code. This perk will be available for every collection going forward.
Farleigh and Tabby Booth in her studio in Cornwall
A Journey to Cornwall and the Sailor’s Jail Gallery
I was very lucky to journey down to Cornwall to meet Tabby at home, not far from Penzance. After relocating from just outside of London four years ago, Tabby and her partner found themselves at the helm of an art gallery in Falmouth – Sailor’s Jail Gallery. What started as an unexpected venture has completely transformed their lives. Previously running a business for over ten years, Tabby had always struggled to find time to create her own artwork. However, the gallery provided her with the platform and space she needed to finally reconnect with her artistic passions.
Tabby’s affection for animals has always been a key influence in her work. From a young age, she was drawn to working in black and white, particularly with silhouettes. For her Farly collection, she’s created ten beautiful pieces all around the theme of birds – a subject that allows for immense variation and creative exploration. Despite her longstanding affection for penguins, Tabby confesses that her current favourite bird is the pigeon, a sentiment influenced by the presence of her beloved pet, Raisin.
Tabby and her pet pigeon Raisin
The Artistic Process
Tabby’s process is methodical yet deeply creative. What makes her work unique is her choice of materials. She begins by sourcing antique bowls, wooden frames, or vintage wooden surfaces, giving each piece an authentic, natural base. These carefully selected materials not only add character but also connect her art to the past, creating a beautiful link between history and the present. By repurposing these found objects, Tabby breathes new life into them, making each piece truly one-of-a-kind. This thoughtful approach adds depth and richness to her work, enhancing its overall impact.
Once the frame is sourced, she preps it with white paint before beginning her artwork. Tabby applies black paint to the prepped surface and uses a technique called sgraffito, scratching away the details to create texture and bring her vision to life. Once dry, she layers wax on top to give the artwork a matte finish, enhancing both its texture and colour.
The Swan by Tabby Booth
The Swallow by Tabby Booth
Folk Inspiration
Tabby draws inspiration from folk art and outsider art – movements that embrace
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