The artist behind our limited edition gift kits!

To celebrate the 2023 gifting season, Pleasant State is so excited to be have collaborated with First Nations artist Ryhia Dank on our limited edition gift kits.

Featuring an original design, the artwork titled 'Elements' is a reminder of how we should co-exist with nature. Our homes are like friendly neighbours to the natural world, offering a warm embrace that invites the outdoors in.

We spoke to Ryhia about what drew her to become an artist, her process and the meaning behind the artwork.

1. What experiences do you draw on the most through your work?

The experiences that I draw on the most are that of being home on Country, being with family, my grannies teaching me our stories.

2. What drew you to painting?

I have always been creative, my family paint, I have always wanted to paint but didn’t ever think I could do it well enough.

3. How do you set up your space to support creativity?

I have to have a clean organised space, I feel like I can't create or that I’m limited when my space is messy. Every morning I clean my desk and the warehouse, it relaxes me and helps me get ready for the day.

4. What drew you to working with Pleasant State on this collaboration?

I heard about Pleasant State a while ago and just loved the idea of the glass bottles and using the bars, It’s great not having that extra packaging.

5. The artwork is titled 'Elements' is about co-existing with nature, how do you do this in your home?

At home we live in the middle of huge gum trees, ferns and fruit trees, we always have the windows open to hear the whip birds, Kookaburras and cockatoos and to have the lovely cool breeze come through, we also have plants through out the house. During their seasons we have our own avocados, mangos, coffee, mulberries, macadamias, custard apple and persimmons so we are very lucky to be able to gather the different foods.

6. Can you give a brief description of the story you're telling in this work?

Everything seamlessly falls into place as we gracefully coexist with nature, creating a serene and balanced environment for work and play. Our homes are like friendly neighbours to the natural world, offering a warm embrace that invites the outdoors in. We cherish the beauty of our surroundings while nurturing a sustainable way of life. - Within this artwork there is a mixture of icons to represent the things we use everyday and the nature surrounding us and living with us.

7. 1% off all gift kit sales will be donated to Gudanji for Country, can you tell us a bit about this charity and why it's important to you?

This charity is important to me and my family as its aim is to help stop the fracking on my Country/home in the Beetaloo Basin.

Thank you,

Ryhia