Studio Visit
Beci Orpin
Beci Orpin is a Melbourne-based freelance illustrator and maker. Her studio is a treasure trove of cherished objects and deeply personal pieces—from Kokeshi dolls to vintage linens and fabrics.
Beci’s style is eclectic, embracing the beauty of imperfection and the charm of handmade objects. Art gifted by friends and family, opp shop finds, and custom-built displays for her expansive book collection make her space feel alive with history, creativity, and a playful spirit.
(WF)
We love your Book of Girls and how you’ve kept your journals and workbooks throughout your career. Other than records of your own work, are there any other things you collect?
(BO)
My book collection has been evolving for most of my life so that’s probably my favourite collection. I also have a bunch of other random collections which just seem to form over years: Kokeshi dolls, hand made soft toys, mushrooms, sake glasses, vintage napery to name a few.
(WF)
You have an eclectic home filled with contemporary work from designers you love alongside vintage pieces, what are some of your favourite things?
(BO)
Most of my favourite things are sentimental, and don’t hold monetary value. My son made me an Enzo Mari Sedia chair for my 50th birthday last year – I always wanted one and to have it made by him is incredibly special. I have lots of bits and pieces collected from our travels, I am a real tchotchke kinda gal!
(WF)
What makes a space feel homely and special to you?
(BO)
Pieces with meaning and history and a bit of chaos. And flowers – lots of flowers!
(WF)
Which designers, from any discipline, do you admire?
(BO)
It’s super general but I admire anyone who is super practiced at their craft – like lace makers or shiboiri dyers or patch workers or cane furniture makers. Anyone who has been doing something for a long long time is a joy to watch.
(WF)
What is your most prized possession?
(BO)
Another special birthday present – my kids made me a painting alongside artist Kirra Jamison a while ago, its a unique piece with lots of meaning. If it’s ever on my feed people always ask who it’s by!
(WF)
How do you personalise your workspace?
(BO)
Art from friends, opp shop, auction finds, and custom cabinetry to hold all my books and lots of interesting things on display.
“I’m quite into the return of tiled pattern…all white/beige interiors can get in the bin ASAP. Cannot wait for that be over (sorry Byron Bay).”
(WF)
What are your thoughts on home and interior trends? Is there a trend you wish would come back, or one you wish would go away forever?
(BO)
I’m generally anti-trend but one can’t help but be influenced at times. I’m quite into the return of tiled pattern. All white / beige interiors can get in the bin ASAP. Cannot wait for that be over (sorry Byron Bay).
(WF)
What’s the best part of your job?
(BO)
The variety!
(WF)
Do you have a favourite gallery?
(BO)
Station Gallery, Daine Singer, and I also loved the recent Melbourne Sculpture Biennale.
(WF)
House or apartment?
(BO)
We are currently renting a townhouse while our house gets renovated, and I’m super into townhouse life!
(WF)
Online or IRL Shopping?
(BO)
Prefer IRL but I’m time poor so ends up online.
(WF)
Paper notes or digital?
(BO)
Paper always!
(WF)
Leather or fabric?
(BO)
Fabric always!
(WF)
Night or morning?
(BO)
Both! Eternally tired!
(WF)
Tea or coffee?
(BO)
Tea please.
(WF)
Pattern or plain?
(BO)
Plain 80% of the time, but there’s always room for a special pattern though.
Show us your edit – something you own, something you’ve loved or something you’ve got your eye on…
