In this week’s column we profile Melbourne design extraordinaire, Alice Oehr. Alice’s eye for bright, vivacious art and graphics has seen her work with people like Pieces 4 Places, Ladies of Leisure, Arro Home and MPavilion. She’s even got a book under her belt.
With the imagination of a dreamer and the skill of a pro, her art aesthetic extends to her Instagram. The delicious feed serves up food illustrations, colour palette-perfect daily observations, works in progress and photos of her cat Otto.
Name?
Alice Oehr.
Instagram handle?
@aliceoehr.
Nickname?
I’ve never had one :-(.
Where are you right now?
At my desk.
What do you do for work?
I’m in the business of aesthetics… Drawing and design in all kinds of incarnations.
What do you do for fun?
Pretty much the same as work but with the addition of eating, drinking and friends. Also travel—love living it up temporarily.
Who was your hero in high school?
Always my friends. At some point it was also Sabrina The Teenage Witch.
Who is your hero now?
I admire the work of so many people far and wide but my actual heroes are all people I know. They are real and I can see them!
Who are the members of your dream girl gang?
I think the members of my real life girl gang are fantastic. Maybe for a special occasion you could throw in a wildcard like Vivienne Westwood or Mirka Mora—someone who will really bring the party.
What lyric sums you up?
Hmmm, how I would like to be summed up would be in the words of the original Midas Touch by Midnight Star. Who doesn’t want to believe that everything they touch turns to gold? Plus, best beat.
What song will forever put you in a good mood?
OK, I know this reveals questionable taste, but it’s impossible not to feel good when I hear Earth, Wind & Fire’s Let’s Groove. I would have it at my funeral. And you know, anything by Sean Paul or Shaggy. My taste really is bad.
What do you cook when you want to impress someone?
Baba Ghanoush. About ten salads. Pizza from scratch. And sometimes an entire trout.
What’s your dream pet?
I think I have it: a big fat cat. My dream cat would purr a bit more though.
What’s something that you’re passionate about?
Food… A bit too passionate. On a serious note, I am also a big believer that everyone is inherently creative and that making stuff to relax and have fun is very important.
What TV show will you never get sick of?
Any of Nigella’s cooking shows. I love having the TV on with her flouncing around the kitchen in the background of whatever I’m doing. She’s having so much fun it’s completely infectious.
What’s your secret party trick?
Being secretly good at partying. It always comes as a surprise to everyone who knows me as an adult. My secret post-party trick is going for long runs on no sleep. It cures hangovers.
Favourite thing to draw?
I really love drawing packaging.
Proudest project moment?
My design for an Egyptian-themed party for Lavazza at the Spring Racing Carnival. It was a while ago now but I still really love what I was able to do for it.
If you had to wear one label for the rest of your life, what would it be?
At the moment all I am concerned with is wearing things designed in Melbourne. I am very proud to do that and would gladly do so forever.
What do you love about the internet?
Google Images. It is my idea of heaven. I don’t know if I will ever get over it. The other thing I love is how many modern-day pen pal relationships I have with people via email.
When did you join Instagram?
2011. It’s been too long.
Describe your “Instagram aesthetic”?
A collage of paper and pics.
Who are your three favourite people to follow on Instagram?
I’m mainly there for aesthetics, so I love nerd accounts that are dedicated to things like fruit boxes, street signs, gardens etc. So on that tip: @cartonographer, @typehunters, and @chicojefferson posts the best videos of artists’ process.
Where else can we find you online?
Aliceoehr.com.
Country or city?
City forever. But I do need the annual country getaway without technology or city distractions to preserve sanity.
Britney or Beyonce?
Beyonce (tough one).
Health food or junk food?
Health food. Particularly the sort a dairy cow can make.
Heels or sneakers?
Sneakers always.
Early mornings or late nights?
These days it’s early mornings but anytime when the rest of the world is sleeping is good.
Dating or hanging out?
Hanging out.
Hotels or camping?
Hotels. No natural setting can triumph over a buffet breakfast.
Credits
Text Ingrid Kesa
Images via @aliceoehr