Bailey Elder x Slowtide

Our relationship with Bailey Elder began in 2024 through a collaboration via Art Helps Heaps supporting Creativity Explored, a nonprofit championing artists with developmental disabilities.

This season, we're welcoming her back.

Inspired by the rivers, forests, and swimming holes surrounding her home in Kentucky, Bailey's artwork explores movement, rhythm, and connection through repeating hand-drawn forms and nature-inspired color. Patterns flow across the collection like currents in water, carrying a sense of motion, place, and play.

The result is a collection shaped by creativity, rooted in the natural world, and made to accompany everyday adventures.

Tell us about yourself. Looking back, what first sparked your connection to art?

I’m an artist. I’ve always been interested in different mediums. I had a big beading phase in middle school—like, I had all of the supplies and would make a ton of jewelry. I can’t put a finger on my first connection to art. I think summer camps and craft projects helped me discover paths as a child. My friends and I would design clothing as kids. I’ve always liked decorating and making things my own. I’ve always been for the non-conventional.

What landscapes or environments are most inspiring to you lately?

I’m in Kentucky now, so I’m loving deep woods, rivers, rock walls, and waterfalls.

Are there colors you’ve been especially drawn to this season?

I’m always down for colors that vibrate together. Shades of green with pinks or reds, blues and browns. Palettes drawn from nature. Exotic sea creatures are a great source of inspiration for color.

What does an ideal summer day look like to you?

Spending time with family and friends. Going on adventures in environments that are nostalgic or that take me to a new place for inspiration. Cooking a meal with loved ones after being in the sun all day and moving our bodies. Jumping into a body of water, preferably a swimming hole with a waterfall. Deep belly laughs.

What are some small rituals or routines that help you feel grounded?

Before babies, I meditated every day. Now, running has become the space for me to quiet my mind. Being barefoot as much as possible, eating nutritionally dense food, stretching, and yoga.

What’s currently inspiring you outside of art?

Growing my own food, raising babies, becoming more self-sufficient, helping others, and trail running.

What excited you most about translating your work onto textiles and towels?

Seeing something that I created and manifested wrapped around someone’s body. My energy becoming part of their personality.

What are 3 things always in your beach bag?

Sunglasses, a hat, and snacks.

What textures, sounds, or colors remind you of summer?

Cosmic green, ocean blue, grass, campfires, soil after rain, burnt skin, morning birds.

Shop Bailey Elder x Slowtide here