Each month we pick three things that have inspired us. From art, design and branding, to food, drink and beyond… Welcome to the February Leap Year edition.

1. Elias Sime: Eregata

Alex writes:

With some time to spare, I thought I’d pop into the Arnolfini in Bristol to take a quick look around the exhibition Eregata featuring the work of Elias Sime, one of Ethiopia’s leading contemporary artists.

Well-known for repurposing electronic materials, his work takes years to collate and complete. He integrates collage and assemblage with West African craft traditions of weaving and braiding to create vast artworks from all manner of waste materials.

Sime’s art recognises the many hands through which the materials have travelled, creating a connection between technology and human stories. He recreates landscapes, cityscapes and organic objects that observe and imagine humanity’s complications and future.

As a counterpoint to the increasing speed that communications and IT are developing, and the constant churn and movement of the world around us, Sime’s art is about slowing down. The exhibition’s title, Eregata loosely translates as ‘serene’ in English.

“When we walk slow…we see more, when we talk less, we learn more.”

The exhibition had the desired effect! I spent far longer than I’d intended studying the impressive artworks and the pain-staking intricacy of the way the materials are used. Sime’s work is worth seeing if you get the chance – completely beguiling – just allow enough time to go slow and take it all in!

2. Buy Women Built x Whole Foods Market

This month saw the launch of a campaign from Buy Women Built in collaboration with Whole Foods, celebrating 48 female-founded UK businesses.

For the next five weeks, Whole Foods stores across London will feature window and in-store displays highlighting women-built brands, as well as shining a light on the inspirational women behind them.

Research suggests that in the UK, 81% of 11-18 year olds are unable to name a single female entrepreneur. Buy Women Built was formed to change that by showcasing the brands built by women, and harnessing consumer spending power to create a fairer society.

The displays, (and brands), are beautifully curated and we are delighted to see so many of the power-house women we know amongst the founders. We couldn’t be prouder of their achievements.

To find out more, or to join the Buy Women Built community, visit the website.

"Not everyone can invest in female founders. Not everyone can mentor female founders, but we can all buy from them."

3. FieldGoods

The brand we’re loving this month is frozen ready meal maker, FieldGoods. Not just because its products are Great-Taste-Award-winning-delicious, but because the art that adorns the packaging is so utterly charming. Founded by two ex-restaurateur brothers, the brand is built around carefully sourced British ingredients, sustainability and of course, taste. Each pack artwork is designed to reflect the origin of the food and is painted by the pair’s cousin.

We first spotted them in a local farm shop, but they’re now also listed in Fortnum & Mason and Daylesford, as well as selling direct online.