Computer Arts - USA (2019-09)

Icelandic artist Kristjana S Williams
studied graphic design and illustration at
Central Saint Martins and quickly gained
critical acclaim as creative director of
Beyond the Valley for eight years.
In 2011, Williams began creating fine art
pieces, art prints, furniture and more. Her
inspiration comes primarily from layering
nature upon nature and “the symmetry
in all things living”, which stems from the
artist’s childhood.
Williams supports her artistic
practice by producing a growing
collection of homeware and interior
products including wall coverings,
fabric and cushions sold on her personal
website, and via brand collaborations.
She has a particular interest in heritage
brands and narrative-based artworks,
fusing rich colours and hints of
Victorian engraving to illustrate their
rich history. “Clients like and respect
the narrative aspect of our work and

the in-depth research behind it. I don’t

really license my work because of the

bespoke nature of most of the heritage

brand work I do. It’s best suited to

narrative, which is what I really thrive

on – whether it’s a commercial or client

commission or private commission.”

PENHALIGON PERFUME

In 2016, renowned British perfume

house Penhaligon commissioned

Williams to create bespoke narrative-

based packaging illustrations for

the brand’s new range of fragrances,

after the head director came across

her artwork in the Connaught Hotel.

“They wanted to create a new collection

that was based on this make-believe

aristocratic family,” says Williams.

“Their team had already gathered a lot

of history and had been thinking about

the packaging for ages – writing down

ideas.” The products sold so well that

Penhaligon grew and expanded the

collection. It’s a creative collaboration

that continues to this day. “I think

it often depends on the commercial

success of the product and how

successfully you meet the brief,”

adds Williams.

COLLABORATION

As a part of the commission, Williams

designed a number of large-scale

artworks to appear in store windows

and at point-of-sale, promoting the

new collection in boutiques throughout

the world. “The process was very

collaborative and I really enjoy working

with feedback, so all the information

we get I use to fuel my creativity,” she

continues. “With packaging, you have to

be mindful of layouts and folds and how

the artwork works on this surface, but I

think the more you do it the better at it

you get. We always make up everything

COMPUTERARTS.CREATIVEBLOQ.COM

KRISTJANA S WILLIAMS

HERITAGE-INSPIRED FINE ART WITH A CONTEMPORARY TWIST 

KRISTJANA S WILLIAMS PHOTOGRAPHED BY LEIGH KELLY