Calling all creatives! Welcome to the July edition of our Artist of the Month blog. From breathtaking painters to skilled illustrators, this blog series celebrates the talented artists we have had the pleasure of collaborating with. Whether you're an artist yourself or simply appreciate the beauty of art, this blog is for you. Let's immerse ourselves in the world of art and be inspired by the incredible works of our featured artists.
This month, we introduce you to Northern artist & printmaker Keren Parmely, who creates colourful art prints. We've been in touch with Keren to find out more about her and her craft...
Q. Where have you found inspiration lately?
A. I find inspiration in the vibrancy of everyday life, popular culture, music, fashion, and art. Scrolling through Instagram's discovery page, flipping through a magazine or art book, or exploring Pinterest can spark a creative idea for a new print or project. Currently, I am enjoying working with mono printing techniques. I’m enjoying the process of experimentation, allowing the technique itself to guide and shape my work.
Q. Is there a piece of art or a project that you are particularly excited about right now?
A. I’m in the process of developing a series of printing workshops. While I’m still in the early planning stages, I’m excited about the possibility of working with young people and new creatives to nurture the next generation of artists. The details are still being worked out, but watch this space.
Q. What kinds of tools or references do you like to use when creating artwork?
A. I usually begin a project by creating a mood board of inspiration using Pinterest, magazines and Instagram as a starting point, from there develop a series of ideas in my sketch book. When creating my prints, traditional printing methods give me the aesthetic results I want, with screen printing being my favourite, but I enjoy experimenting with different mediums, so many of my prints have been created using techniques such as paper cutting and painting. I embrace happy accidents and imperfections in the creative process. It’s great to be able to utilise modern techniques like giclée printing to reproduce these original creations, it is a wonderful way to make art accessible for every home and be able to sell work at a lower cost.
Q. What artists or artworks (from your life or art history) do you admire or consider influential to your work & why?
A. Andy Warhol is my all-time art idol. I first encountered his work in school, and it completely changed my perspective on art. What once seemed like a collection of boring paintings suddenly became a world of excitement and creativity. I love his aesthetic, the Factory, and even his earlier commercial drawings—they are all wonderful.
Two of my favourite art exhibitions have been Damien Hirst's at Tate Modern and Juergen Teller's at Palazzo Reale in Milan during Milan Fashion Week. Teller's exhibition, with its giant images of Vivienne Westwood set against the breathtaking Italian backdrop, was particularly unforgettable.
Q. What advice do you have for other new or aspiring artists?
A. I believe the most challenging part of starting is having the courage to share your work with the world, especially when it feels personal. But go for it! Everyone produces work that isn't great at times; it's an essential part of the creative journey.
Remember to stay in your own lane and focus on your own progress. Each person's journey is unique, and so is yours.
Q. Professionally, hat has been your biggest achievement so far?
A. Having people buying my prints for their homes is a huge achievement, I never thought I would sell so many when starting my print business. Also having a growing list of retailers stocking my products is amazing, especially given the current economic climate.
Q. What is your first memory of creating art?
A. Drawing in front of the tv as a kid in the 90s. I was always good at drawing and my family would often buy me art themed gifts for birthdays, I remember owning a set of pens in the shape of paint brushes.
Q. How do you spend your time when you’re not creating artwork?
A. When I’m not working, I am usually running around after my 1- & 4-year-old. Enjoying every second, I can of these gorgeous years.
Q. What work do you most enjoy doing?
A. I find the greatest joy in creating new work. I always find it most enjoyable when I am working freely, not designing for a particular project and experimenting. Unfortunately, it's the thing I have the least time for at the moment.
Q. What is your dream project?
A. I would love to create a range of homeware products.
We are incredibly proud to connect and collaborate with talented artists like Keren. Her beautiful designs and contagious passion for art inspire us deeply. To learn more about Keren and shop her stunning wall art, visit her website and Instagram. And don't forget to stay tuned for next month's edition!