This month, we’re thrilled to spotlight the work of contemporary Welsh painter Caitlin Flood-Molyneux. Their artistic practice explores the intersection of pop culture imagery, personal memory, and emotional resonance, revealing how we use images to shape and express our own narratives of hardship. In this blog, Caitlin shares their artistic journey, deep connection to nature, and the inspiring path that led them to pursue life as a full-time artist.
Q. Where have you found inspiration lately?
A. Lately, I’ve been finding inspiration through exploring new mediums. I’ve been particularly drawn to textiles and more recently, screen printing during my residency with Print Club London. Working with different materials, textures, and techniques has opened up fresh ways of thinking and making, which I find really inspiring.
Q. Is there a piece of art or a project that you are particularly excited about right now?
A. I have some really exciting collections and projects in the works, some I can’t talk about just yet. My residency with Print Club London has been a big highlight, screen printing has opened up so many new ideas I’m excited to explore. I’m also starting to branch out into clothing, which feels like a fresh and natural step for my work. I’ve got new collections launching soon that I can’t wait to share. It’s been such a creative year.
Q. What kinds of tools or references do you like to use when creating artwork?
A. I’ve always been drawn to mixed media, it’s been a big part of my practice from a young age. I use a wide range of tools and materials, and often an idea will form simply from experimenting with a medium. Collage plays a big role in my process it’s how I build the compositions for my paintings.
Q. What artists or artworks (from your life or art history) do you admire or consider influential to your work & why?
A. I grew up around books on Gillian Ayres’ work, and her bold, vibrant compositions really stuck with me. I remember watching a documentary about her with my mum and being struck not just by her paintings, but by her attitude towards making art, doing what you love and following your instincts. That approach has stayed with me and continues to influence how I work today.
Q. What advice do you have for other new or aspiring artists?
A. Be consistent, and don’t let rejections or setbacks stop you. They’re part of the process. Most importantly always come back to why you started, remember the reason you’re making the work in the first place.
Q. Professionally, hat has been your biggest achievement so far?
A. Honestly, it’s hard to sum everything up in one answer. But being shortlisted for the Forbes 30 Under 30 Europe list was a massive moment especially coming from a working-class background and having built my career from the ground up. Flying out to Botswana and being invited to speak on a Forbes panel alongside such inspiring women was incredibly surreal. Getting to share my story with people in that space is something I’ll always be proud of.
Q. What is your first memory of creating art?
A. Painting in the kitchen with my mum, I remember using these long brushes that felt gigantic in my hands. We’d hang the paintings up on the wall afterwards, and that feeling of pride really stayed with me. I was always making something as a kid, it just felt natural.
Q. How do you spend your time when you’re not creating artwork?
A. I love being out in nature, going for walks or paddle boarding when I can. That said, these days it feels like I’ve almost forgotten how to stop creating! Even when I’m not in the studio, I’m usually thinking about the next idea.
Q. What work do you most enjoy doing?
A. Painting without a doubt. It gives me so much freedom, and I completely lose myself in it. It’s where I feel most connected to what I’m trying to say.
10. What is your dream project?
A. There are so many things I’d love to do, but one dream project would be creating large-scale ceramics with my paintings on them. I’m at a point now where I just want to experiment and explore as much as I can, pushing my practice into new spaces while I have the freedom to do so.
Thank you, Caitlin, for sharing your inspiring story and offering such a vivid glimpse into your creative world. To stay connected and explore more of their stunning work, be sure to follow Caitlin on Instagram and visit their website.
We’ll be back next month with another inspiring artist spotlight so stay tuned!