ABOUT ABBEY MAE

A Wild Welcome to the World That Inspires Me...

Kia ora, I’m Abbey Mae — artist, illustrator, author, and mamma to three wild and wonderful little humans.

Rooted in Nature, Guided by Wonder...

My work is a reflection of my deep love for nature, a fascination with the mystical, and a desire to explore the untamed beauty of this world (and sometimes, the worlds beyond).

Much of my inspiration comes from my travels across the globe, especially in places where nature still roams wild and free. These experiences have shaped the way I see and paint the world — not just as it is, but as it could be.

At the heart of everything I create is a sense of hope, light, and possibility. I love imagining a future where nature thrives, where humans live in harmony with the Earth, and where magic still lingers in the everyday.

I hope this visual imprint will enable the viewer to discover their own inner beauty, as reflected in the outer world.

As above, so below; As within, so without.

Each piece is created to stir that wonder — and to guide others back to the wildness and beauty they have within.

The Winding Road Back to Art...

After nearly 30 years abroad, I’ve recently returned home to New Zealand — where the mountains meet the sea, and where the wildlife continues to inspire so much of what I create.

My most recent bodies of work have drawn from my travels through the savannahs of Kenya, the tropics of Asia, the deserts of California, and the red-rock cathedrals of Arizona — places where nature is bold, raw, and unforgettable. Each destination left its mark on me, but it’s the creatures, colours, and textures of my homeland that remain at the heart of my work.

Pre-kids, I spent years globe-trotting as a freelance writer — in Ibiza as a music journalist, in Florida as a culture editor, in London as a copywriter, film and restaurant critic, plus a short stint back in New Zealand as a lifestyle journalist for a Sunday paper. I lived with a pen and passport in hand.

But as life shifted, and I found myself in the messy, magical chaos of raising three kids, I rediscovered my first creative love: visual art. Writing became harder to find the mental capacity for, but painting? That flowed.

Eventually, I opened West Acre Gallery in rural Norfolk, UK — an all-inclusive exhibition space rooted in community and creativity. It was there that I truly began merging my artistic vision with my values.

Now, I live with my family in the South Island of New Zealand, where I continue to paint and evolve my illustration style, and grow a homeware brand inspired by the wild beauty I see in the world. I’m also in the process of writing and illustrating my debut children’s book, due for release in 2026.

This creative path has taken many turns, but the thread running through it all has been a love for storytelling, whether through words, brushstrokes, or the spaces I help create.

Thanks for joining me on the journey.

ILKA ILLUSTRATIONS | Earth-kind design, hand-drawn from the heart

In 2024, I launched Ilka Illustrations — a creative extension of my art practice, where I bring the wilderness into the home through illustrated homeware, bold stationery, and fine art prints.

It’s where my love for storytelling, pattern, and the natural world all come together.

Ilka is my way of marrying the exotic and the everyday — inspired by travels through wild landscapes, but grounded in the comforts of home. The designs are whimsical, eclectic, and joyfully maximalist, with a focus on vibrant colour and intricate detail.

Each piece begins as a hand-drawn illustration, later coloured digitally, and then printed on beautiful, 100% organic unbleached cotton. The range includes everything from cushions and cosmetic bags to tea towels, oven gloves, aprons, as well as stationery, greeting cards, and wrapping paper — all created with care and intention.

Sustainability is woven into every step. I do my best to keep materials Earth-friendly and toxin-free, using water-based inks, unbleached fabric, and plastic-free packaging. All of my textiles meet the GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) — ensuring the highest standards in organic fabric production.

Ilka Illustrations is more than just a brand — it’s a celebration of wild beauty, conscious living, and art that belongs in everyday life. Come and take a peek...