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, their favourite coffee spots and much, much more.
This week sees the launch of the Degree Show at Duncan of Jordanstone in Dundee. All eyes are on Dundee at the moment and their burgeoning Arts Scene. The opening of the V&A, the successful Design Festival returning again at the end of the month, and artists studios and galleries popping up in this cool city. It’s the place to be.
Lauren Morsley graduated from Duncan of Jordanstone last year. She’s an llustrator and Printmaker that also dabbles in Ceramics too. She’s based over in beautiful Fife. She would describe her style as continuously combining bright colours, funky characters, textures and patterns to make funky art.
We’re so please to have her work behind our Red Doors soon after her graduating. She took the time out to let us know a little bit more about her and her practice.
What Do You Love Most About What You Do?
I like to make things that make people laugh or smile. I also enjoy the process of things starting as a little idea in your head and then being made into a physical print or object. It never fails to get me excited!
Where Did You Study And Why?
I studied illustration at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design. I have grown up surrounded by art work and was always encouraged to explore creatively. It wasn’t until my last couple of years at High School that I realised I wanted to do it professionally and DJCAD was the University that made me feel most at home on the Open Days.
Where Do You Base Yourself & Why?
As a recent graduate I currently live and do most of my work at home in Kirkcaldy, whilst saving to have my own place/studio. However I am a committee member at Dundee Ceramics Workshop and I also do some Print Work in Dundee too.
What Do You Like To Do When Escaping Work? Where’s Your Favourite Coffee Spot?
I love to go outdoors whether it’s to the beach, walking through trails or Kayaking. I don’t get out to do as much of that stuff at the moment and so I am definitely craving it. In Fife there are some lovely coffee spots like Pillars of Hercules in Falkland. It’s beautiful and a nice escape.
Whats Been Your Favourite Piece to Make So Far?
My screen print ‘Music Celebration’ is probably still my favourite piece I have done so far. It was the first piece I did last year (In my final year of University) that I felt pushed my folio and truly represented what kind of artist I was and what I wanted to make.
What Advice Would You Give Your Younger Self?
Don’t worry if you haven’t figured out your ‘style’ or the kind of work you want to make. Just experiment, create and mess things up. Also take a break when you need it. Don’t let work guilt get the best of you.
Who’s Your Favourite Artist at The Red Door and what would be your Top Purchase?
It’s always a tricky one to narrow it down. I have to say me and my family love Mina Braun’s work and I have a print of hers that my parents gave to me. It’s my most treasured piece I have.
We’d like to thank Lauren for taking the time out to let us get to know her a little bit more. We’re hoping that we might be able to stock her fun ceramics one day too.
