How Is Chocolate Made? From Cacao Bean to Bar (and Cup)
How is chocolate made? Follow cacao from pod to bar: harvest, fermentation, drying, roasting, grinding and conching, and where drinking cacao stops.
Art & Cacao Project: Sophia Harding
Art & Cacao Project: Limited edition cacao infused art, printed on our 500g boxes.
Every edition, we ask a different designer to create an illustration, specially for these boxes, while drinking Wild Child Cacao.
Up now: Sophia Harding
Read our interview with her below to learn more about Sophia and the artwork!
Can you introduce yourself and tell us about your journey as an artist? What drew you to your current creative practice?
Hello! I’m Sophie Harding and I’m a painter and printmaker based in the UK. I studied Fashion and Printed Textile Design at Central St Martins from 1988 – 1992. After leaving college I worked as a freelance illustrator, textile designer as well as showing and selling my original paintings in galleries. I’ve sold my paintings from the age of 16! Around 10 years ago I decided to concentrate purely on painting and printmaking. Every year I have the occasional illustration commission which I really enjoy -I like the challenge of working to a brief!
What does your creative process look like from concept to finished piece? Do you have any rituals or routines that help you get in the flow?
I begin with making rough sketches usually from life and occasionally from
imagination on paper in pencil or black biro. Once I’m happy with an image I’ll either work the sketch up in colour or go straight to
canvas and decide on the palette as I go along. I paint a warm ground on the canvas- red, pink or orange and then paint the outline of a stronger warm colour and then apply layers of final colour.
imagination on paper in pencil or black biro. Once I’m happy with an image I’ll either work the sketch up in colour or go straight to
canvas and decide on the palette as I go along. I paint a warm ground on the canvas- red, pink or orange and then paint the outline of a stronger warm colour and then apply layers of final colour.
Where do you get your inspiration from? Who/what inspires you?
I’m inspired by everything! Pottery in my kitchen, seasonal flowers and fruit. Cornish gardens, seascapes and my surroundings- the simple joys in life. I use colour to evoke positive emotions. I’m constantly inspired by the endless possibilities and interactions of colour
What was your first reaction when Wild Child Cacao approached you
for this collaboration? What excited you most about designing
packaging for a 100% cacao brand?
I was very excited when Wild Child Cacao approached me, the brief was absolutely ideal! I frequently paint still life and decided to bring this into my design as I knew I could create a strong joyful and playful image
How did you approach the design for the Wild Child Cacao
packaging? Were there any challenges in translating your artistic style
to a functional product?
I decided to create an imaginary still life with a window giving further interest and perspective to the image. I really enjoyed drinking cacao whilst coming up with ideas for the design! The challenge was to keep it simple and
strong. I’ve used elements from my own paintings to look like one of my creations!
What do you hope people feel or think when they see your artwork on
the Wild Child Cacao box? Is there a story or message embedded in
the design?
I hope people feel joy and a feeling of abundance when they see my artwork.
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