Where are you from and where do you live now?
I’m from a small town in England, not far from London itself. Though the moment I could, I left for the city. I now live in east London. Its a great city; diverse, culturally rich and ever changing. I love the freedom I have here, if not the weather.
Describe yourself in 3 words.
1. indecisive
2. passionate
3. introspective
Tell us about your technique/creative process.
I start with found imagery. I usually spend hours trawling the internet taking screen grabs and collecting editorials. sometimes it is an angle of the body, the mood or a situation that inspired me. I usually create hundreds of drawings at a time. Not every drawing works, but sometimes may every 1 in 5 really clicks. I find it hard to recreate the same line especially when using ink, so immediacy is an important part of the process. However if I love the image I will use a projector and work on a larger scale. Most of my work is on small pieces of paper I file in boxes. (I am running out of space in my current flat)
Share 3 influences on your work (people/things).
1. Instagram. I am fascinated by the re-apropriation of images and the way in which they are curated. Its a simpler process to how i start an illustration
2. sexist advertising (bizarre choice I know)
3. words. whether thats an amazing book, an article thats made me angry or simply a strap line I’ve read somewhere.
I think adulthood is a bit of a trap and it seems a much fuller life to be free from those restraints.
When did you decide you wanted to become an artist ?
I think I’ve always known but its not a career you necessarily always know is viable. I have had a pencil in my hand since I was able to hold one. Both my parents are artistic so it walkways felt natural. I went to do my Bachelors in Textile design, which was rewarding but felt very restrictive. I realised I didn’t like the idea of working for other people and had too much to say. Its often doing the wrong thing that makes us realise what is right.
What do you think are the qualities that define an artist ?
Artistic Qualities? I am a bit of a scatter brain and I definitely over think. I am constantly dissatisfied by what I have just created. These seem like common artistic traits to me…which have good and bad points. On one hand its amazing to see the world front the viewpoint of the creative on the other its very exhausting.
What’s a typical creative day like, for you?
I start with any important emails (that i may put off as the day goes on) I am a devote yogi and go to practice every morning which is the perfect way to refresh the mind. I think its so important to break up your day with movement when you work from home, so i love a long walk or a dance class to get rid of negative energy. The day is usually split between desk work, research and then practical work, broken up with cups of coffee.
How has diversity played a role in shaping your art ?
Diversity is all around me living in east London. Its really important to immerce yourself within difference to really open your mind and keep it hungry. My own work though sticks with feminism as its something that I feel I can talk honestly about. Though its important to understand the F word is more that issuers related to the white and privilege but effects every culture.
Share 3 artists you love right now.
1. favourite Instagram crush atm : Tina Berning
2. lovely ladies by Ella Kruglyanskaya
3. Long time lover Louise Bourgeois
Picasso once said “Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.” what do you think ?
I guess i can’t answer that, as I haven’t grown up yet. I don’t fit into any ‘grown up’ category. I don’t own a house, I am no way close to be married or having a child. I am still finding my own identity, so may be I am still “growing up”. I think adulthood is a bit of a trap and it seems a much fuller life to be free from those restraints.
