Catherine Pape turns the 'everyday mundane' into inspiring illustrations that celebrate life in Leeds

Originally from Suffolk, the illustrator moved to Leeds five years ago and loves to draw the "boring" aspects of city life, reminding us to stop and appreciate our surroundings.

"I'm inspired by the details, colour and stories in what appear to be mundane scenes and objects," Pape tells Creative Boom, "I am trying to celebrate and appreciate everyday life that I see around me."

And what is it about Leeds that she loves so much? "I've found Leeds to be a great place to live, it's big enough to have lots going on but not too big as to be overwhelming. Before I moved here I didn't really know much about it but I've found it to be very authentic and down to earth with lots of creativity going on. People here are friendly, and welcoming and I feel very much at home here."

Working in pencils, paints and digital, and inspired by "people, plants, maps, patterns and the bits of blue and white pottery that you find in the soil at the bottom of the garden", Catherine Pape graduated with first-class honours from the University for the Creative Arts in Maidstone. She now works as a freelance illustrator and artist, based in Leeds. Find out more at www.catherinepape.co.uk.