Seasonal Coffee Artist Series: Winter with Alexandra Finkeldey

For our last Seasonal Coffee Artist Series spotlight of 2024, we are thrilled to welcome Alexandra Finkeldey with her cozy label featuring a bundled up boy with a shovel, fitting for our winter blend.

Seasonal Coffee Artist: Alexandra Finkeldey

Alexandra Finkeldey is a talented self/community-taught freelance artist and illustrator based in Ottawa.

I recently had the privilege of interviewing Alexandra about her inspiration and artistic journey. Read on for the full conversation:

What first inspired you to become an illustrator? I noticed from your website that you list drawing inspiration from "old children’s illustrations, animals, frequent walks in nature, video games, fashion, vintage packaging and animation." Any particular video games or animations of note?

It’s a familiar story, but I’ve loved drawing since I could hold a pencil. I didn’t start working professionally as an illustrator until my late twenties. Nature continues to be my primary source of inspiration, but, as you mentioned, it was mostly books, video games, and animations that inspired me to take this path. As far as video games, I’ve long been inspired by Zelda games (particularly Ocarina of Time and Breath of the Wild), and cozy games like Animal Crossing and Stardew Valley. For animations, really anything by Studio Ghibli, but especially Princess Mononoke, Porco Rosso, and Kiki’s Delivery Service.

What were you doing before you became a freelance artist?

I mostly worked in food service while studying to become an occupational therapist (OT). After working for a few years as an OT in the mental health sector, I quickly realized that the field didn’t suit me. Despite my passion for mental health and my love of my clients and co-workers, I learned that the pace and structure was not a good match for my skills. I was fortunate to be able to juggle some community health work while I pivoted into the arts. I jumped full-time into illustration in 2019.

What's the story behind your piece for this winter seasonal label?

This piece was created for a drawing challenge by illustrator Carson Ellis. For a few years, she created a weekly drawing challenge called “Transmundane Tuesdays”, where she would pull three prompts from a hat and share them on Instagram. The prompts for this winter seasonal label were: 1. Wearing a hat, 2. Wearing a mask, and 3. Carrying a shovel. It was February at the time; easy enough to get into the winter spirit!

[This artwork was first posted to Alexandra’s Instagram on February 18th, 2020.]

Do you have any advice for fellow artists, especially when faced with creative blocks?

Lately my biggest piece of advice is this: regularly connect, in person, with artists of all disciplines. Life drawing sessions, live music events, group art shows, craft markets, creative talks, drawing meet-ups: you name it. I can’t tell you how much I’ve benefited from the resources and generosity of other creatives. People love to talk and share about their work. If you make it a regular habit, other artists will keep you accountable to your goals. Hopefully you'll come away feeling inspired, supported, and energized. This is a powerful antidote to creative blocks!

What's next?

Professionally, I’m working full-time on children’s books. Most of the books are focused on nature and community, which is great news for someone who loves both of those things! Eventually, I'd like to write and illustrate my own book.

Personally, I’d love to experiment with large-format paintings. I’ve also been playing with collage and abstract paintings. I'm always looking for new ways to inject texture and movement into my work. I can also see myself getting into ceramics down the line.

What's your go-to coffee order?

Black coffee. Exciting, right? A cortado if I’m feeling fancy!

Tasting Notes And Flavors

Our mixed process winter blend is a medium roast (our roast level 5) with a flavor profile reminiscent of our signature North Star Espresso, featuring tasting notes of cherries, milk chocolate, and brown sugar. Perfect for when you fancy yourself a classic cup of joe at home to ward off the winter weather without the espresso kick.

To keep up to date on Alexandra’s work, you can follow her on Instagram at: @scatterbee

You can also visit her website artbyscatterbee.com and check out the books she has illustrated for, including True Stories of Animal Heroes: Talala (2021), When the Storks Came Home (2022), The Boy, the Cloud, and the Very Tall Tale (2023), Saving the Spotted Owl (2023), A Horse Called Now (2024), and On A Mushroom Day (2024).

Starting December 12th, 2024, through March 20th, 2025, you can purchase our Winter Seasonal coffee online, at our cafes, or wherever you normally buy your Equator coffee. 

The Seasonal Coffee Artist Series invites local talent to be featured on bags of Equator Coffee. Changing with every season, each limited edition coffee blend label will feature the season-related art of one artist or designer selected by Equator from the diverse communities connected to our coffee. Inquiries regarding submissions can be sent to outreach@equator.ca