LOUISE KIRBY X JERRY RANDALLS Music and Art Collaboration

I was asked by composer Jerry Randalls to collaborate with him to create some visual to go with his new Laxmi composition.

I created a series of abstract compositions called Counterpoint in response to repeatedly listening to the Laxmi composition. I used gestural marks and movement with the brushes to create colourful textural marks in watercolour.  The individual pieces were sliced and re-composed to create new compositions of juxtaposing colour and pattern.  Colours were inspired by the Laxmi Hindu goddess.

Counterpoint 1
White mount size 21cm x 29.7cm
£45
Counterpoint 2
White mount size 21cm x 29.7cm
£45 – SOLD
Counterpoint 3
White mount size 21cm x 29.7cm
£45
Counterpoint 4
White mount size 21cm x 21cm
£35
Counterpoint 5
White mount size 21cm x 21cm
£40
Counterpoint 6
White mount size 21cm x 21cm
£45 – SOLD
Counterpoint 7
White mount size 21cm x 21cm
£40
Counterpoint 8
White mount size 21cm x 21cm
£40
Counterpoint 9
White mount size 21cm x 21cm
£30 – SOLD
Counterpoint 10
White mount size 21cm x 29.7cm
£45
Counterpoint 11
White mount size 21cm x 29.7cm
£40
Counterpoint 12
White mount size 21cm x 21cm
£35
Counterpoint 13
White mount size 21cm x 21cm
£35

If you are interested in any of the pieces for your home or office, please email hello@louisekirby.com They are all one off watercolour collages ranging from £30 – £45.

To listen to the collaboration click here

Jerry writes “Laxmi (also known as Lakshmi) – for Flute trio, jazz trio and cello

I have fused a jazzy arpeggiated melodic pattern with a 17th century harmonic progression which suggests more than a nod to J S Bach, but is also, as it happens, a staple of the jazz world. The piece concludes with a brief blues break which merges into a classic Baroque final cadence.

Louise has a striking and wholly individual style which resonates with the renaissance of her home town of Dundee as a leading citadel of contemporary creative arts. Her work is always confident, fresh and dynamic – and echoes techniques and principles which also guide my composition technique: line, patterns and sequences, energetic rhythms, tone colour, momentum and structure. I love how she has taken the idea of counterpoint – melody against melody – and applies it to visual art. I couldn’t have imagined a more spectacular exhibition to accompany my music. “

Launch of new Dundee Delights collection by Louise Kirby

Dundee Delights is a new illustrated greeting cards collection by designer and illustrator Louise Kirby.  Launching on Friday 13th October by giving a fresh and positive image of the city.   Louise will place free cards around the city hoping that the finders will send them to friends and family locally and to the far corners of the globe.  Louise would love to hear of where they end up be it an Aunty in Australia who loved days at the ferry beach as a child, an old school or university friend in another city that you want to hello to, or invite your granny in Lochee for a coffee and cake.  To share where they end up either email Louise Kirby on hello@louisekirby.com or #DundeeDelights on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

Louise Kirby Dundee Delights greetings cards celebrate some of the delicious delicacies and iconic places in and around Dundee.  Her designs have a fresh approach to the city whilst retaining the hand drawn qualities.  Designs include Broughty Ferry Beach + Castle, The Dundee Penguins, Dundee cakes, Frank Gehry’s Maggies Centre, Dundee Contemporary Arts and The McManus.  This collection is in the World Favourite Colour of Marrs Green and sunshine yellow to capture the positive direction the city is heading.  Dundee, the UK’s only UNESCO City of Design. 

The Dundee Delights collection is available to buy from her Etsy online shop, the Dundee Contemporary Art shop, Pretty Fly in Broughty Ferry and coming soon to Visit Scotland (located in the city square) and directly from Louise Kirby at the WASPS Open Studios on 28th & 29th October 2017, Makers for Maggies on 2nd December 2017.

Designs include:

Broughty Ferry Beach + Castle

Patterned sand looking over to Broughty Ferry castle with a happy sun shiny Dundee cake sky, evoking memories of days at the beach.

The Dundee Penguins

The characterful 5 bronze penguins by sculptor Angela Hunter that make people smile as they walk past and sometimes they have been known to adorn clothes and hats.

9 Dundee Cakes in the Bakers Shop –  available in sunshine yellow + marrs green

Local delicacy of the Dundee Cake, with the lovely pattern of the almonds on top.

Frank Gehry’s Maggies Centre

Maggies Centre designed by world renowned architect Frank Gehry here in the city which I believe is evidence of how good design changes peoples’ lives providing a place of calm, support, nurture and tranquility created within a purposeful space. Externally, I enjoy the shape and movement of the roof which I feel echoes the local landscape.

Dundee Contemporary Arts

Creative and cultural hub in Dundee with the curved face of different surfaces which is invites you in to the space which houses 2 cinemas, print studio, galleries and a bar and a restaurant.

The McManus

Dundee’s art gallery and museum in the fantastic gothic revival architecture, I love dramatic staircase and the detail in the architecture.  So many stories lye within this building I particularly love the ceramics, Dundee and the World exhibitions and the Tay whale.

A wee bit of magic in the woods

IMG_5292Last weekend for Easter I created a wee bit of magic in the woods with a trail in the countryside with clues and things to do for my family and friends.  Ending in the woods where I created a giant nest filed with golden bunnies as prizes, blue painted stones round tree trunks and on a tree added some windows, doors and washing line to encourage a bit of imagination.

IMG_5284IMG_5267I loved playing and coming up with the idea for space outside and for everyone to experience the magic too.  I think the adults enjoyed it as much as the kids! Continue reading

Hallyburton Collection Autumn/Winter 2014

Patterned Fields Swirl 72dpi webHere’s my new images for next years 2014 Autumn/Winter Hallyburton Collection.  All inspired by where I live on a country estate in the heart of Perthshire, Scotland.  I’m surrounded by an abundance of inspiration on my doorstep!

Louise Kirby Woodland Wandering 72 dpi

Mood a circleMood c circleMood b circle

Mood d circle

Mood e circle

Mood f circle

I’m continually inspired by the changing seasons and fascinated at the harmonisation of the flora and fauna blending together.  You often find me exploring knee deep amongst the grasses and dotted wild flowers, wandering through the woods of dappled trees and patchwork fields – I hope my designs capture the essence my surroundings.

Elemets brush 72dpi web

Pheasant Footprint brush 72dpi web

This new Autumn/Winter 2014 Hallyburton Collection uses a palette of greens and a hint of warm chestnut.  Some of my artworks include my fascination of pheasants as I follow their footprints around the estate, textured of stacked logs and expressive dotty marks of nature’s elements.

tree rings repeat merged 72dpi web

I create sophisticated patterned artworks for your products using my signature style of a lovely organic movement using repetitive marks and textures in delicious colours.

Stacked logs stripe 72dpi web

Patterned artworks collections can be licensed or I can be commissioned to create something bespoke for your products.

Patterned Fields Green 72dpi web

 

Cards – Winter in Dundee

Winter in Dundee 1It’s that season again…….. I’m going to mention the Christmas word!  I’ve created an artwork called Winter in Dundee and made it into some cards which would make perfect Christmas cards!

Snowflake Dundee Blue web

They are A5, locally printed and blank inside for your own message.  Available to buy directly from me, please email me on hello@louisekirby.com or pop into the DCA shop in Dundee to get them.  They are priced £2.45 each.

I will be taking part in the Wasps Artists Christmas Sale on 30th November if you want to get some there, where I will be offering a special offer of  3 for £5.00.  For more info on the Artist Christmas Sale please click here.

They artwork has my signature style  using rhythmic mark making and merging patterns to represent the creativity happening in Dundee.

Winter in Dundee

Vision for V&A Dundee

Vision V&A LouiseI’ve created some Patterned Artworks for my vision of what Dundee will look like when the V&A Dundee is built on the River Tay.  In my illustration I really wanted to capture the creativity going on in Dundee using  my signature style.  Using pattern as a metaphor to show the energy and creativity that weaves, blends and merges together with all the different creative people, cultural organisations and events happening in Dundee.

My Patterned Artworks have a natural flow that echo natures organic ability to sit in harmony to its surroundings and I see the V&A Dundee fitting into Dundees’ changing landscape very well.

Wool Delaine Louise Kirby small for web

This image is digitally printed on wool to create a wall hanging.  The Patterned Artworks could be printed on a multitude of products from tea towels, ceramics, cushions, scarves, prints, mugs, notepads… the list is endless!  I would love to be commissioned to create Patterned Artworks for the V&A Dundee.

My wall hanging will be on show at the Wasps Artists Open Weekend on the 19th & 20th October outside my studio on level 4, studio 404.  You can find out more about the Open Studio weekend on my previous blog.

Wee Wellie Wander

ground graffiti web smallI wanted to showcase a different type of work that I do.  If I’m not designing my own surface patterns I do some work for Angus Council Education Development Service creating and delivering project for schools.

One of the projects I worked on was Wee Wellie Wander, I worked in partnership with Angus Council Ranger Service at Crombie Country Park to develop a Learning Resource to support teachers and early years practitioners to engage very young children creatively in using the park as a stimulus to looking, exploring, listening, talking, making and doing.

I created a colourful self-led teacher pack includes includes images and descriptors for a variety of rich and creative learning activities using simple tools and natural materials.

Crombie tree wrap 2 smallI loved doing this project as it really matched my passion for the great outdoors and being playful and creative.  It was great coming up with ideas and taking the ideas to final pack where I’ve seen children enjoying taking part and asking interesting questions and seeing their learning and curiosity.  I also brought on artist Astrid Leeson to bounce ideas and have a few creative days in the park coming up with ideas.  It was great to feel like a big kid and come up with things others would enjoy doing and discovering.

Crombie Woodland Weaving small

Park Ranger Lisa King was a wonder to work with, as she’s is so passionate about the park, open to ideas, very proactive and practical.  I wanted to do some sort of weaving using natural materials, so we chose the best spot and she made a frame by the time I came the next week – you might see it if you’re in the park (look out for the Magic Spot), feel free to add to the natural cloth!

colour spots photo smallWith my own work I’m fascinated with colour, pattern, mark making and I wanted to bring elements of my work came into the park.  I used my bird stencils but instead of using paint as I do in my studio we used bird seeds to create pictures that repeat and also can play with symmetry and watching the birds eat them.  I’ve got a fascination with yarn bombing and I love moss growing  up trees which I though looked like leg warmers so we decided to get lots of colourful balls of wool and wrap the trees.  Other activities include recording markmaking and memory string that allows pupils to collect mementos from their day so they can revisit it.

I highly recommend Crombie Country Park for a wander it’s one of my favourite places.

Pupil quotes from using the Wee Wellie Wander pack

“I liked squashing the plasticine to get bumpy bits from the trees” – P1 pupil

“I made a sun picture, and we made it with seeds and it’s going to feed the birds” – Nursery Pupil

“I liked reading the story in the forest and doing al the actions and noises” – P1 pupil

Teacher quotes from using the Wee Wellie Wander Pack

“the pack was easy to use and the activities were enjoyable – my pupils had a great time and are still talking about it.  It allows the children a hands on learning experience in and unfamiliar and exciting environment” – P1 Teacher

“We had great fun and learned lots of new and interesting things and are looking forward to developing our new ideas in our own outdoor area!” – Nursery Practitioner

I have facilitated CPD with Park Ranger Lisa to a range of  for Angus teachers and Early Years Practitioners so they can bring their own groups to experience the richness of the park.  The pack and resources are now available at Crombie to use (booking is essential through Crombie Country Park)  You can also see a copy of the pack here

The project was funded by People Directorate – Arts and Cultural Education Team and Creative Scotland, Creative Learning Networks fund, developed with EDS Project Artist in Residence Louise Kirby.

 

image005ranger serviceimage003

 

Coming soon new collection

Patterned Field Plate coming soonI have been working on a new collection for Autumn Winter 2014 using my signature style of lovely organic movement using repetitive marks and textures in delicious colours.

This A/W 2014 Hallyburton Collection is inspired by the abundance of inspiration on my doorstep where I live on a Perthshire country estate.  I’m continually inspired by the changing seasons and fascinated at the harmonisation of the flora and fauna blending together.  I’m often found exploring knee deep amongst the grasses and dotted wild flowers, wandering through the woods of dappled trees and patchwork fields.  I hope my designs perfectly capture the essence of my surroundings.

This new Autumn/Winter 2014 Hallyburton Collection uses a palette of greens and a hint of warm chestnut.  Pattern artworks include my fascination of pheasants as I follows their footprints, textured of stacked logs and expressive dotty marks of the nature’s elements.

Collections can be licensed or I can be commissioned to create something bespoke for your products.

Full collection to be revealed soon.  If you would like to be emailed a copy of my new collection or sent a hardcopy in the post please email me with your details. hello@louisekirby.com

 

Where I Make

I was asked to write a feature with some photos for This Is Central Station on where I make.  You can also see other Scottish artists and designers too.

Welcome to my wonderful patterned world where I capture the drama of Scottish wilderness with nature at the heart of my surface designs.

Everything happens here in my studio in bonnie Dundee – colour studies, developing ideas, playing with scale and pattern, paper designs, cutting stencils, screen printing, painting, collage, fabric samples, mixing dyes, planning schools and community workshops, sewing and the list goes on…

All these steps help me create my surface patterns for a range of products and applications.  I’m on a mission to cover the world in my designs from wallpapers, wellies, ceramics, and murals to Land Rover Defenders – the possibilities are endless!

I have a playful approach and mix together delicious colours, juxtaposing scales, energetic repetitive marks, to create my distinct rhythmic signature.

I love my cosy space where I surround myself with colour swatches, drawings, fabric samples, old coffee pots of brushes, wooden printing blocks and random things I’ve collected.  I like nothing more than getting my hands dirty in the studio.  It’s not too flash but being surrounded by all my inspiration is really important and keeps me focused.

I am part of the Dundee WASPS artist’s studios and I’m in a temporary space on Airlie Place for 6 months while my studio at Meadowmill is being refurbished.  I really like it, it used to be a students bedroom so it has a homely feel with a fireplace and a sink.  I settled in quickly after a quick lick of white paint.  I like the location as it next to the DJCAD and I can see a tree out of my window.  I like being part of WASPS as I’m surrounded by other fellow creative’s from a range of art forms from printmakers, jewellers, sculptural textiles and painters.

I love being in my studio and being playful and creative!