Tag Archives: Dundee

All Bagged Up

Posted on by
2

I’m delighted to announce that Anththropologie have chosen one of my design for their new collection. One of my pheasants is now fashioning itself on a tote bags in the USA and UK.  You can check out the tote bag here, they are only available directly through Anthropologie.

I love seeing my artworks on different products and how Anthropologie have styled it with it’s plain back and slightly sparkly handle – and of course seeing my logo on their products with their tags.

It’s exciting to think that my artwork is reaching a bigger audience here in the UK and the USA.

I personally think myself and Anthropologie make a great combination for collaborations and the whole experience has been a pleasure!

Making a splash

Posted on by
Reply

Here is my artwork I created for the new manicure and pedicure space within The Sunflower Rooms in Dundee.  Owner Jennifer Comiskey approached me after seeing the video of me creating the giant storefront art work for Anthropologie.  She wanted me to create something unique for her space not just a painting or feature wall paper.

I was delighted to be asked to use me signature style (pattern, colour, markmaking, silhouettes) to create a bespoke artwork that reflected an elegant femine feel in the colour scheme of red, grey and black.  
First I came up the some sketch ideas of what I proposed to create based on an initial chat and look at the space.  Then I showed Jennifer and she chose her favourite and gave me artistic freedom within the room.  The actual painting took a few days using a mixture of hand painting and stencilling.  The artwork grew and flowed around the room.

The room has a lovely contemporary feel and it’s nice to have something other than sunflowers too!  Jennifer used other local business to create her bespoke beautiful space.

I hope clients enjoy getting their twinkle toes and fancy fingers done surrounded by my colourful artwork.

Here’s some photos of the artwork in progress.

Where I Make

Posted on by
Reply

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!

WASPS CREATIVE POP UP WEEKEND

Posted on by
Reply

 

My studio will be open as part of this fab event.  I’m based at Airlie Place (just off the Perth Road and down from the students union)  There’s a great mix of Artists and Designers and Special Guests taking part.  I will have a range of luxurious silk and wool scarves for sale, and a bargain box for you to have a rummage.  Feel free to invite lots of people to this creative event happening in Bonnie Dundee.  For more information the facebook page click here.

WASPS Artists at Airlie Place – Genna Delaney, Nicola Morrison, Jennifer Robson, Paola McClure, Louise Kirby, Volker Rosenberg, Neil McIntee, Casey Campbell, Jill Skulina, Louise Ritchie

WASPS Artists at Meadow Mill – Kirsty Doig

WASPS Artists at Douglas Court – Cathrine Holtet, Jonathan Hood, Allan Beveridge,

SPECIAL GUESTS –
Two Dolls
Steven Higginson artist
Howard Callow
Dot Stewart
Juliette Townsend ceramicist
Amanda McAllum
Patricia Griffin
James Skelton Smith
Lee Mitchell
Christina Hirst
The Scarlet Bakery
Yoke

Goodbye Meadow Mill and Hello Airlie Place!

Posted on by
2

I’ve moved temporarily to Airlie Place for 6 months while the refurbishment goes on at Meadow Mill.   I’m loving my new space at Airlie Place, which used to be Dundee University student residence.  I’ve settled in really well, it’s a great location, love having a sink in my studio and a fireplace to sit my brushes.

WASPS provide cheap studio rent for artists and are refurbishing all 3 levels of the mill – heating, improving the windows, gallery space, some wifi and a common area for all those creative collaborations and including a lift! The unused space on the 4th floor is going to be made into studio too. Here’s what it look like now.

I think it was a really good process to have a good clear out, sort through years of clutter and box ever thing up.

Here’s my new view from my window

There’s some great views from the corridors of the river Tay and Law hill.

Think I’m going to enjoy my time at Airlie Place! For lots of creativity – playing with colour, pattern, textures and silhouettes.

Flying the nest…

Posted on by
Reply

Here are some of my recent paper designs created during my time through the Crafts Bursary in conjunction with Creative Scotland and DJCAD.

Louise Kirby 8

Louise Kirby 4

Louise Kirby 6

Reluctantly I’ve cleared and moved out of my space in ‘the room’ in the textile department.  I’ve finished my time there and have taken my wings to fly to pastures new. I’ve found the experience so valuable to take time to consider my crafts practice, looking at all the strands I have with workshops, making products, designing surface pattern.  I’m going to reposition myself to being a surface pattern designer who creates patterns and illustrations for all surfaces from stationery, fashion, furnishings, ceramics and architecture…

During my time I had a chance to try new things, learn new skills, reconsider my business model, have mentor support and meet lots of other creative people, such a great vibe at DJCAD.  I highly recommend the opportunity.