Poolside Coconut’ is an original painting on wood by Abi Baikie, inspired by her travels to Asia. “Sometimes I decide to have a day off when I’m travelling, but I still can’t help noticing objects I want to put into my paintings. Whilst relaxing one day, I had a fresh coconut. After drinking all the water you can crack them open and scoop out the fleshy meat. This painting reminds me of little moments that I appreciate so much, when I’m completely alone spending my days feeling inspired and thinking up new ideas for my art work even when relaxing. My latest work embraces strong colours and striking patterns, imitating the vibrancy and bustle that I experienced on my travels to Asia. I take inspiration from new places and experiences by taking photographs of any objects or scenes that catch my eye in everyday life. Little every day customs and habits like washing our clothes or sitting in a chair as well as bigger actions like the construction of buildings are all things we experience and see around us. The background and surroundings in each piece are always slightly abstract so they cannot be placed entirely and maintain a little unfamiliarity and curiosity. Overall, I would like to think my work sparks the same feelings of intrigue and wonder in others that the places I travel to bring me and remind people of all the things that connect us and make us human, all of our similarities in how we interact with the world.” Abi Baikie