Why I Daydream About Corsets and Cutlery While Drawing
Have you ever looked at an old coin and wondered how many lives it has touched?
How many fathers earned it working under the sun, how many mothers used it to buy a loaf of bread for their daughters? How many children stared at it in awe, dreaming of the sweets it might buy?
The sheer weight of history in something so small, so seemingly insignificant, fascinates me to no end.
People often ask where I find inspiration for my work, and my answer is almost always the same: history-inspired art and storytelling. I’m an unabashed history nerd—the kind who gets giddy over old maps, yellowing letters, and yes, even spoons. (More on that later.)
For me, every piece of history holds a story, and it’s my greatest joy to bring those stories to life through my art illustrations.
Take, for example, my obsession with vintage cutlery. To most people, a spoon is just a spoon, a utensil with no greater purpose than transporting soup to mouth. But to me? It’s a time machine.
I look at an antique spoon and think, "Who ate porridge with this? Did they like porridge? Was it part of a grand banquet? Did someone dramatically drop it during a lover’s quarrel?”
When I’m creating, I’m not just drawing; I’m storytelling. My illustrations inspired by history are infused with the emotions, textures, and dreams of a bygone era.
And let’s talk about the daydreaming. Oh, the daydreaming! It’s a cornerstone of my creative process. I spend a lot of time daydreaming about the past. (It’s not procrastination; it’s research, I promise!)
So, if you’ve ever seen me staring out of a window, looking like I’ve fallen into a trance, chances are I’m imagining the life of someone who lived a century ago.
Who were they? What did they wear? Did they dream of a better future, or were they just trying to survive their overly elaborate corset?
If I’m being honest, I think we all have a bit of a romantic in us. Who hasn’t looked at an old photograph or a crumbling ruin and felt that tug of curiosity? The sense that these fragments of the past are more than just objects… they’re pieces of a larger story that connects us all.
My art illustrations are my way of honouring that connection, of bridging the gap between what was and what is.
So, the next time you come across an old coin, a faded letter, or yes, even a spoon, take a moment to wonder. Whose hands held it? What stories does it carry? And if you’re ever curious to see those stories brought to life, well, you know where to find me.
Because in my little corner of the world, armed with a paintbrush and a love for all things old, I’m doing my best to keep those stories alive.
Hi! I'm Kirsty Wyatt, the artist behind For Keeps Illustrative, where I create vintage-inspired watercolour art with a touch of nostalgia. From live event sketches to heartfelt 'In Memory Of' portraits, I love capturing life’s special moments with warmth and elegance. Follow my journey on Instagram!