Batsford nets Ravenous Butterflies creator’s ‘tonic for wellbeing’

Batsford has netted An Apothecary of Art: A Tonic for Wellbeing from Lisa Azarmi, creator of social media account Ravenous Butterflies. 

Managing director David Graham acquired world rights from Piers Russell-Cobb at Media Fund. It will be published in 2023. 

Azarmi has more than 800,000 followers across social media where she posts about the solace she has found in art. In her début collection, she combines 80 “exquisite” works of art alongside quotes from people such as Sappho, Pablo Neruda and Harriet Tubman.

“The thoughtfully designed combinations of word and image are beautiful, uplifting and healing – a tonic for wellbeing,” wrote the publisher. 

Azarmi commented: “I’ve benefited from the positive impact of art and words all my life. So it seemed natural to turn to these trusted companions when I had a tough time. It is said that ‘beauty saves the world’; by creating Ravenous Butterflies, I’ve been able to share this philosophy with others across social media. Judging by the reaction of my followers, it appears that during these uncertain times Ravenous Butterflies has become a place of refuge and healing for many. I’m thrilled that B T Batsford will publish my début collection; I hope the book will become a place of inspiration, healing and delight.

Graham said: “Ravenous Butterflies has developed a huge global following over recent years – and rightly so – Lisa’s artist’s eye always finds images that are arresting and remarkable and her ability to couple those with words that are both thought-provoking and a soothing balm makes this an ideal book for these troubling times.”