Tools & Talismans #88 Luisa Fernanda Niño

I consider Oscar Wilde a talisman, he was an elegant rebel. I find inspiration in every word he ever wrote or said. I love to draw him, too! I look through that book for quotes and atmosphere and my Oscar Wilde little tin is to keep my pen nibs. My lavender bottle is 10 years old. It’s super potent. I have trouble sleeping but one squish of this thing and even if I don’t sleep, at least it diminishes my anxious thoughts. For work I can’t live without my watercolor set, which is a White Nights set. I find these artist grade paints very acceptable and my Roubloff brushes both made in Russia. My favorite paper is Fabriano Artistico, especially for my watercolor textures.

My ceramic skull is to remind me about Mexico, my home country and my favorite national holiday, The Day of the Dead. When you want to see an explosion of color, this day is when it happens. My little fourré-tout, it works as a make-up bag and I keep it with me for extra pencils and pens. It’s made of vinyl also from Mexico. These colorful designs were used as tablecloths in cheap restaurants throughout Mexico, now they make bags and other useful things out of it. 

My notebook, rustic and handcrafted. This is for journaling with a dip pen. I slow down my thoughts by holding this notebook open and dipping my pen in ink instead of typing on my keyboard at lightning speed.

Luisa Fernanda Niño • Illustrator

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Tools & Talismans is a personal painting project where I document {in watercolor} the tools and talismans of 100 different women — creators and healers, thinkers and makers, wordsmiths and visionaries. Join me — I'll be sharing a new painting with you every Wednesday.

Would you like to have your very own Tools & Talismans painting to inspire, support and remind you of all the things that make you “you”, as you go about your days, grow your business and create your life? Get in touch so we can talk, I'd love to hear from you!