Introducing Ildy from Ildy Izso Art. Where every item is handmade!! From her home in Sydney, New South Wales, she paints using water-colours to capture the essence and personality of stunning creatures.
Find out why Ildy started creating and why she is so passionate about the value of handmade.
Tell us about your creations and your handmade process.
When I paint, my aim is to capture the essence and personality of each animal, creating work that feels personal, expressive and full of life. I use a lot of references and often spend time learning about the animals I'm painting, gathering fun facts and small details that inform the final piece. From the playful glint in a cat's eye to the quiet strength or grace of a wild creature, I'm interested in the small details that tell a story and evoke an emotional connection.
I work primarily in watercolour, using expressive brushwork and layered washes to bring animals to life. For pet portraits in particular, I take time to understand the animal beyond a reference photo. I enjoy learning about their quirks, habits and personality. This helps me create a portrait that feels like a true reflection rather than just a likeness, with the animal clearly taking centre stage.
Tell us a bit about your journey to becoming a handmade artist.
I grew up in a creative household, spending a lot of time in my dad's upholstery workshop, surrounded by tools, fabric and offcuts.
Making things with my hands was always part of everyday life, not something separate or precious.
That early exposure shaped how I work now. I went on to train across multiple creative disciplines, including costume making, concept art, animation and visual design; and worked in creative industries before focusing more intentionally on my own art practice. All of those experiences still feed into how I approach my art today.
What is your inspiration or where do you find inspiration?
Animals are my biggest source of inspiration. I love observing their behaviour, personality and the small, often funny moments that make them feel so relatable. Sketching at the zoo is a big part of my practice - it allows me to study movement, expression and character in a loose, observational way.
I'm also inspired by children's book illustration and storytelling, particularly work that balances warmth, playfulness and emotion. That influence often finds its way into my use of colour and expressive mark-making. And, of course, my cat is a constant source of inspiration - both as a subject and through the everyday moments of humour and quiet companionship she brings.
Where did you learn your craft?
My skills come from a mix of formal training and lifelong hands-on learning. I've studied and worked across different creative fields, but just as importantly, I learned by making, experimenting, problem-solving and spending time with different mediums and materials. That balance between training and intuition continues to shape my practice.
Why is handmade artistry so important to you?
Handmade artistry is important to me because it creates a direct connection between the maker, the process and the final piece. In a fast, digital world, making something by hand feels grounding and intentional. It allows time, care and presence to be part of the work, and I think people can feel that when they engage with handmade art. It's also about preserving skills and creative knowledge.
I genuinely enjoy passing on what I know through my workshops and helping people slow down, reconnect with their hands and trust the process. I can't imagine not making things by hand, it's how I understand the world, express ideas and connect with others.
Ildy is a much loved member of the MadeIt Collective, posting regularly in our Facebook Group ~ MadeIt: Handmade not Massmade Australia ~ and sharing their new creations as they are released. If you haven't connected with Ildy Izso Art make sure you join our FB Group and say hi !
