A Peek Inside An Artist’s Daily Rituals, Objects and Studio Must-Haves

Annabelle Gfeller takes us into her serene home studio and garden, inviting us to reconnect with nature through art.

Meet Annabelle Gfeller- a Sydney based artist whose creative world is shaped by stillness, spirituality, and a deep reverence for nature.

Raised between New Zealand and Switzerland, Annabelle’s connection to the bush, birdlife, and the artistic encouragement of her grandmother laid the foundation for a soulful journey into painting.

Her home studio, nestled in a peaceful garden setting, feels like a natural extension of her work: contemplative, calming, and deeply luminous.

Drawing inspiration from her travels, especially India, and her studies in Ayurveda and alternative wellness, Annabelle’s paintings reflect a deep sense of divinity and mindfulness.

Through rich jewel tones and sacred motifs, she invites us to pause, breathe, and reconnect with the beauty of the present moment.

We sat down with Annabelle to explore her rituals, her space, and the creative pulse behind her work.

1. How does your morning usually begin? Any small rituals or go-to brews that set the mood?

“My morning always starts with a flat white made at home.

If I feel I need extra support, I will make a large celery juice first and drink this on an empty stomach.

After getting the kids off to school I always do yoga stretches and either walk the dog or do a workout in the garage.

I crave time outdoors and connecting to nature is something that helps me quieten my mind and sets the tone for the day.”

2. What helps you shift gears into a creative mindset?

“I aim to meditate every day and I often do this in my studio before I begin working.

This definitely shifts me into a state of flow and helps me to have greater access to intuitive downloads and guidance.

Many an artist will tell you, that often the work seems to come through you.

The creative process is more effortless when you can connect into those deeper parts of yourself.”

3. Living and creating in the same space can be a juggle for many creatives. How do you manage it?

Any tips that have helped you find balance while working from home?

“You need to be disciplined and find a routine that works for you and stick to it.

Clear boundaries with your family are also important.

My kids understand that although they can see my in the studio, I am working and they have to respect that.

The life of an artist is quite solitary so I try to balance this out by doing intense periods of work in the morning and then admin or computer based work later in the day.

It is also vital that I prioritise social time with family and friends as it can be isolating working from home.”

4. What are three little things in your home studio that bring you the most joy (or spark the most creativity)?

“We purpose built my studio so I had a lot of input into the design and feel of the space.

Just being in there makes me happy.

I can look out at the garden and pool and hear the birds - its peaceful and that is what I need to be creative.

I have lots of little decorative objects sourced on travels, my books, candles, incense, feathers and birds nests that I have found in the park.

I am like a bower Bird!”

5. We’re smitten with your use of rich jewel tones. Where does the inspiration for your palette come from?

“My colour palette is often inspired by memories of places I have visited.

I am particularly drawn to the exotic, decaying beauty of India, Morocco and Eastern countries.

However, I also draw from a wide range of influences such as textiles in fashion, architecture and the limitless range of colours in nature - from fruits to flowers, birds and botanicals.

When you create a harmonious colour palette that is vibrant but tonal, it enlivens a space and has a powerful way of conveying emotion.”

6. Your home has such a thoughtful aesthetic that still feels open.

How do you style a space that lets your art take centre stage without feeling overly curated?

“Your home should feel inviting and also reflect your personality, not just what is in style.

I like to let the art take centre stage and give it room to breathe.

It is my hope that my paintings invite the viewer to pause, reflect and be present to the beauty all around us.

Grounded in reverence, each piece is a quiet meditation on our deep interconnection with all living things.”

Final Take Aways

Annabelle’s world is a quiet reminder that creativity doesn’t need to shout to be heard, and it’s very possible to curate your space in your home as a creative.

In a time when everything feels faster and louder, Annabelle’s art (and insight) is offering a gentle call back to ourselves, and to step away from overwhelm and clutter.

You can purchase Annabelle’s art in both prints and originals at annabellegfeller.com.