If you've spent any time browsing Winston Proper, you've probably met Poppy the Bear. She's one of our most beloved characters — warm, expressive, and instantly recognizable. But where did she come from?
Born from Chalk and Pavement
Poppy first came to life as a chalk art character at the I Madonnari Italian Street Painting Festival in Santa Barbara — an annual celebration where artists transform pavement into breathtaking works of art. Working alongside my dad, I spent hours on my knees, blending pigments into the concrete, watching Poppy emerge square by square.
There's something magical about street painting. Your canvas is temporary — rain or foot traffic can erase it in an instant. That impermanence makes every piece feel precious, and it's part of why I wanted to preserve these characters in a more lasting form.
From the Street to Your Wall
After the festival, I began the process of translating Poppy's chalk textures and warm palette into fine art prints. Today, she's available as a Giclée fine art print — a museum-quality reproduction that captures every nuance of the original artwork, from the soft fur texture to the depth of her expressive eyes.
Giclée printing uses archival inks on premium paper, meaning Poppy will look just as vibrant on your wall decades from now as she does today.
What Poppy Represents
Poppy isn't just a bear — she's a symbol of warmth, curiosity, and the joy of creating something with your hands. She's for the art lovers, the nature enthusiasts, and anyone who believes a home should feel personal and alive.
Whether she's hanging in a nursery, a living room, or a cozy reading nook, Poppy has a way of making a space feel like home.
Bring Poppy Home
Ready to meet her in person? Browse our Giclée print collection to find Poppy and her friends — each one a character with a story worth telling.