The story behind Whitstable Squared - an artist's journey from inspiration to creation
You know that moment when an idea just hits you? Not gradually, not after careful planning, but like a lightning bolt that makes you think "I absolutely have to do this"? That's exactly what happened to me with Whitstable Squared.
The Spark of Inspiration
I'd seen another artist's project where they'd drawn a tiny visual diary square for each day of the year, and something about those miniature windows into daily life completely captivated me. But instead of documenting days, I found myself wondering: what if I could capture an entire town this way?
Having moved to Whitstable in 2020 (there's a joke amongst my friends that I've moved to another town with a castle that begins with W - after Windsor!). Everything about this place felt magical. The welcoming spirit, the independent businesses, the coastal charm, the artistic community - I'd fallen head over heels after just three weekends here.
But how do you capture all of that? How do you show someone the essence of Whitstable - not just the famous harbour shots everyone takes, but the hidden corners, the everyday moments, the details that make locals smile?
That's when it hit me: what if I created hundreds of tiny squares, each one a miniature window into a different slice of Whitstable life?
The Method Behind the Magic
I decided on 512 squares - arranged in 32 blocks of 16 squares each. Each original drawing is just 25 x 25mm (absolutely tiny!), arranged in grids measuring 100 x 100mm. Over five months, I drew every single one by hand with no repeats - just pure Whitstable.
The discipline was incredible. Every square had to earn its place. I found myself becoming a Whitstable detective, exploring places I'd barely noticed, sitting by the harbour for hours watching the boats coming and going, sketching everything from oyster shells and beach huts to hidden pubs and local street art.
A Love Letter in Miniature
What started as an artistic challenge became something much deeper - a joyful tribute to this town I'd grown to love so much. Through my obsession with detail, I captured Whitstable's seafront and hidden corners with pen drawings and subtle watercolour, making sure every bird, fish, shell, and piece of seaweed I drew was native to our North Kent coast.
Some squares celebrate the obvious Whitstable icons - the harbour boats, the famous oysters, those Instagram-worthy beach huts. Others are love letters to the quirky details that make locals feel at home: that particular view everyone knows, the way certain beach scenes transform when the tide goes out, the street art tucked away where only regular walkers will spot it.
Keeping It Local
I'm incredibly proud that this project is thoroughly Whitstable through and through. Not only were all the pictures drawn right here in town, but I've had all my printing done just up the road too. Even the frames I use are made in Kent. It feels important that something celebrating Whitstable should be created by Whitstable, for Whitstable.
The Big Picture
The magic happens when you step back and see all 512 squares together. Suddenly, you're not just looking at individual scenes - you're seeing Whitstable as a complete story. The way the harbour squares flow into the high street squares, how the beach areas connect to the sea, the rhythm of rooftops and chimneys that gives our town its unique character.
It's like having a conversation with Whitstable itself, where every square adds another voice to the chorus.
An Invitation to Explore
Creating Whitstable Squared has been one of the most rewarding artistic challenge of my life, and now I get to share it with everyone who loves this town as much as I do. Whether you're a longtime local wanting to spot your favourite haunts, a visitor who fell in love with Whitstable's charm, or someone looking for the perfect gift that captures the heart of this special place, I invite you to see the town through fresh eyes.
Pause, explore, and discover the small moments that make this seaside town so special - one tiny square at a time.
Ready to bring Whitstable home? Whitstable Squared is available as an eye-catching poster-sized print in both landscape and portrait formats, or as a set of two smaller prints perfect for hanging side by side. Sign up for our newsletter to be the first to hear about our upcoming coffee table book and jigsaw puzzle!
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