Órla [or-lah] is an illustrator, photographer and surface designer based in Dorset on the UK’s South Coast. Most of the time you can find her in her home studio or out exploring with her camera and sketch book, immersed in nature or collecting curios down by the sea. Órla’s work is inspired by travel and her passion for the natural world and reflects her life-long fascination with pattern, colour and shape found in plants and animals.

Órla was awarded her BSc (hons) in Biological Imaging in 1998 and worked in private sector conservation education until 2001 when she re-trained as a specialist Primary Science Teacher. After 18 years in the classroom, she pivoted to focus on art full-time, after years of maintaining her illustration and creative practice part-time.

Following the birth of her daughter in 2010, Órla began sewing small garments and projects for her and other children. This ignited a passion for textiles that has grown over the years. Órla was inspired to want to create her own fabric.

In 2020, after taking up Quilting, and loving to sew with vibrant, modern fabrics, she took the Immersion course in 2021 and 2022 to learn how to use her illustrations in repeat patterns to create her own unique designs. She is now developing her own range of brightly-coloured, playful fabrics and paper products she hopes will spark joy for you!