It’s #Maker Monday. Our newly revamped feature where we speak to the artists behind your favourite prints and design goodies. What inspired them to become artists, where they look for inspiration, there favourite coffee spots and much, much more.
You’ll know Kirsty Baynham for her beautiful prints and stationery. Her work explores the personalities hidden in woodland creatures and the facinating worlds created by their interwoven shapes and scenery. Kirsty has worked with us at The Red Door since 2010; just after she graduated from Edinburgh college of Art. She’s just installed this months exhibition and it’s a feast for the eyes. There are lots of limited edition one off pieces. We highly recommend stopping by to see it if you can.
Kirsty very kindly took the time out to answer some of our questions so get comfy, grab a cuppa and learn a little bit more about Kirsty and her magical illustration world.
What’s the theme behind your new exhibition and what inspired it.
The exhibition is themed around my new flock of paper birds. I’ve been very influenced by the local wildlife lately, especially the songbirds and pigeons that visit my window ledge. We have a mutually beneficial routine, where they allow me to quietly study and consider them and in return I feed them a nutritious breakfast! My new imagery is inspired by symmetry, motion and texture, and my birds are designed in curious colours inspired by iridescent feathers and unusual, contrasting plumage.
Alongside my flock, I’ve created a small installation of editioned prints in one-of-a-kind vintage frames for Red Door featuring some of my bird imagery, sun bears, wandering horses and mysterious forests. I don’t normally work in very small editions or one-offs so this is new and exciting for me!
Since our last blog you’ve moved back to the capital from Helensburgh. How are you enjoying being back in Edinburgh?
I feel very at home in Edinburgh, and had considered moving back for a while. There’s something for everyone here, sometimes right beside each other, which makes it a very tolerant and diverse place to live. It’s both up-to-date and historically rich, the perfect dualistic entity. I adhere to the view that a well-lived life involves dualisms of every aspect to stretch our capabilities and challenge our limitations and am happy to live in a city that echoes this. It inspires and encourages me and my art.
What’s the most enjoyable part of designing and making your own prints, stationery and accessories?
The freedom to work when and where I choose, to my own themes and deadlines, and truly create without limitation!
What’s your favourite design/product to date?
I generally have more of an emotional attachment to designs which take longer to create – it feels like we’ve worked together through the meticulous process of hand-rendering small details and often repeating patterns to create something worthwhile. My new Peacock giclee (Shadows Gesture to Me and I Respond with Echoes) is one of my favourite new pieces as it took some time to create its symmetry and pattering, and I immediately loved the effect of the red and teal together on the feathers.
Where are your favourite places to go in Edinburgh?
I’ve discovered some lovely foresty walks within the city lately, including the beautiful Figgate Park (filled with what seems like every species of bird, to my delight) and Duddingston Nature Reserve. The great thing about Edinburgh is that it is equally accommodating to those searching for peace and quiet, and those looking for the buzz.
What do you like to do when you need to get away from work?
Walking and hiking, finding new forests to visit, feeding the birds, spending time with my family.
Where’s your favourite place to go for coffee and why?
My new local Ostara, which has a lovely calm atmosphere and a scenic walk to get there. (A new one to add to our never ending list of Edinburgh’s top coffee spots)
Who’s your favourite artist at The Red Door and what would be your top purchase?
It’s very difficult to choose! All the Red Door artists have their own unique style which is what makes the gallery so appealing, and so much passion and devotion must go into every piece of art. I am particularly captivated by Peter Carrington’s mystical animals and the mathematical influence there.
My top purchase would be one of Lucy Caster’s beautiful bags – a really special piece of art you can carry around with you, and so useful in the age of plastic-free!
We’d like to Thank Kirsty for taking the time to answer our questions. We hope you’ve enjoyed finding a little bit more about the artist. Here’s a wee sneak peek of some of her exhibition.
If you’re not already following us. Pop on over to Our Instagram where we’ll be sharing more photos of her beautiful window displays this week; including some video of her hand painting her geometric designs on our windows. Don’t forget to check out our stories and Highlight Reel 😉
Nothing like a bit of inspiring chat for the back to work Monday Blues.