Emily Coulson

We are proud to feature another creative today from North Norfolk, where the Orange Peel is based!

Keep reading to find out more about Emily, her artwork+ Lino Printing!

Q1: What is your Name, Age, and Where are you based?

A: My name is Emily Coulson, I’m 21 and currently living in North Norfolk, (while searching for a house in central Norwich).

Q2: How did you first get into your creative practice/ work?

A: I started carving Lino Prints towards the end of my A-levels in 2017, then forgot about Lino printing for much of my first year of Uni. I started again during the summer between 1st and 2nd year of university after I realised I had been working mostly digitally during 1st year, and this was just not fun to me. Lino printing was something that allowed me to enjoy the process as well as the result. This has become really central to any work I produce – there has to be some hand-made element of unpredictability o surprise to the result, which there almost always is with Lino.

Q3: Are there any main or overarching themes you explore in your work?

A: Increasingly my work explores+practices sustainability (:the ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level. And avoidance of the depletion of natural resources in order to maintain an ecological balance.) I have a recycling bin in my studio that isn’t really even a recycling bin as I dip in to it for materials to collage with. Or I use my misprints/ notes etc and then shred them to create packaging filler. I’ve recently been trying to make new paper out of the old scraps too. It has become a fun challenge for me to create work from the old, because I don’t see simply throwing anything out as an option anymore. As for the work I actually create, I almost always look to the past for the imagery I like to produce. Objects that are made with good craftmanship, a story behind them, things that are one-offs, unique. I prefer to look to the past, before the era of plastic mass production!

Q4: How has the COVID- 19 Pandemic affected your work?

A: Prior to Covid-19, I was working 5 days a week in a restaurant, then squeezing in making things either in the early hours of the morning or the other 2 days a week. Since lockdown started though I do feel like I’ve had the most productive 3 months of my life… I’ve been able to focus on my practice, how I want to create work, without any other disruptions whatsoever. It’s kind of been like having a years’ worth of personal creative growth crammed into 3 months!

Q5: Highlight one of your biggest inspirations!

A: One of my favourite artists/ printmakers is Eric Ravilious. His way of creating ‘pure pattern’ within his watercolour paintings is something that I completely adore. Ravilious had this ability to include so much pattern within one work, but make it so that the whole piece is still beautifully balanced. The same goes for his woodblock engravings, so many shapes and patterns within one piece but the compositions are so well thought out that it works wonderfully.

Q6: Where can you see yourself in 5 years’ time?

A: I’d ideally like to be a freelance Illustrator, without a part time job by then! I’d hope to have really consolidated the way I want to work, and then be in a place to manage creating both work for myself to sell, and creating work for clients. I would really like to do something to help others like myself, starting a career in the creative industry. Teaching Lino print classes maybe? Or mentoring a local creative? I don’t know, but it’s definitely something I’d like to be doing by 5 years into the future, so I can give something back to the creative community.

Q7: If you could share a message with the world, what would it be?

A: Right now I’d say… Please do your research before you buy things – everything and anything! No fast fashion! Re-use and recycle! Buy second hand! OR buy it independent! Spend that little bit more money to make a small business grow AND get something that will actually last you a lifetime and means something!

Everyone knows the drill by now…To find more of Emilys work and support her you can go to he Instagram! Where you will also be able to find her Etsy store!

-SEE YOU AGAIN SOON-

Cassie Waters

This week’s mini Artist Feature is from Zine creator Cassie Waters!

Read the full interview below for more info about her c reative Zine work!…

Q1: What is your Name, Age, and Where are you based?

A: My name is Cassie Waters, I’m 23 and I’m newly based in East London, although I am originally from Suffolk and have spent a few years living in Norfolk.

Q2: How did you first get into your creative practice/ work?

A: I have always been very creative but was put off studying art academically at A-Levels by a particular teacher who was not encouraging of practices that weren’t similar to his own. I quit early on in the year and switched to History. However, by not having an Art A-Level my options to study Art or Animation at university as I had previously considered, were slightly inhibited and I eventually settled on my other love, English Literature. In between then and now I have explored my practice in various ways and have now found my calling in creating zines (a noncommercial often homemade or online publication usually devoted to specialised and often unconventional subject matter). Since the Coronavirus pandemic, I have been obsessively making zines everyday and have amassed a pretty large collection in a short time!

Q3: Are there any main or overarching themes you explore in your work?

A: My zines tend to be about my experiences of living with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, anxiety, depression, agoraphobia and being a working-class woman, but I also make zines about any subjects, from The Simpsons to racism in rural communities. I like to think that there’s no topic I wouldn’t explore in my zines and I don’t want to be held back by fitting into too strict a theme.

Q4: Highlight one of your biggest inspirations!

A: One of my greatest inspirations has always been Tracey Emin. I am fascinated by people’s inner lives and her work is so honest and confessional. She conveys love, sadness and inner pain like few other artists can. I also love how she combines the written word within her art, I suppose because that shares a likeness to zines. My favourite piece of Tracey Emin’s is her installation ‘Everyone I’ve Ever Slept With’. Her work inspires me to be honest and embrace my pain and experiences when creating art.

‘Everyone I’ve ever slept with’ by Tracey Emin

Q5: Where can you see yourself in 5 years’ time?

A: In 5 years time I would like to be able to split my work 50/50 between my current full time job in publishing and my art and Zine-making. I love working in publishing and believe enormously in the power of books for change! But I also really enjoy the freedom and creativity that making and selling zines and art allows me. Having the best of both worlds would be amazing!

To see more of Cassies work follow her Instagram !

Or check out her Etsy store… https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/ThisIsYourLifeZine

THANKYOU FOR READING, SEE YOU AGAIN SOON

Francesca Thornton

!!IT’S THE WEEKEND!!

Lets have another Artist Feauture shall we! This week we are in conversation with Music Photographer Francesca, talking about Gigs, artwork, and how the Pandemic is effecting her along with many other creatives!…

Q1: What is your name, age, and where are you based?

A: Francesca, 22 and I’m based in Brighton.

Q2: What is your creative practice/ Artwork?

A: I’m a music, live events and portraiture photographer, but I also pursue illustration on the side as a hobby.

Q3: Are there any main/ overarching themes you explore in your work?

A: I’ve always loved music growing up, and have always attended live gigs. I attended my first festival when I was 6 years old (It was Pop Beach in 2004 and the only memory I have of it is dancing to Girls Aloud – safe to say my taste has progressed since then!) and so from that experience music and live performance has become my main theme to my work; you’ll find me either working in the security pit at a festival, or sneaking my camera into the crowd at a gig. I love capturing the energy at gigs and live events, be it the artists on stage or the crowds attending. I love photographing people because you never run out of stories to tell in that one frame!

Q4: How has the COVID- 19 Pandemic affected your work?

A: COVID has drastically affected my work. My photography depends upon interacting with people in packed venues and live music – which are all canceled currently. What I wouldn’t give to be back at a gig or festival right now taking photos! I’ve also had to leave Brighton and return to my family home in Norfolk, so I no longer have the same connection to a city of vibrant people currently. However, it has led me to explore new avenues of work. I’ve taken to photographing the small, sleepy life of my little village, and it’s challenging in a new way, which I really enjoy. Who knew trying to get a clear, clean-cut photograph of a bee on a flower would be so hard? My photography at home however doesn’t have the same money demand as it did back in Brighton, and so I am missing out in terms of financial gains of my photography work – but it is helping me to boost my portfolio in new areas.

Lockdown has also led me to have more spare time, and I’ve been exploring illustration again. I had set up an online shop a while back and then hadn’t updated it in years. I’ve just now started sprucing it up with my new work, which is quite refreshing. I like being to have another creative avenue to explore when one is so people, high energy focused, and the other dependent upon time, patience and isolation. I guess photography and illustration reflect both my extrovert and introvert qualities – so I guess I could say it has been therapeutic… but I will be jumping at the first chance to photograph a gig!

Q5: Highlight one of your biggest inspiration!

A: In terms of portraiture photography I love Brandon Woelfel – he has such creative ways of capturing people and making his images look like you’ve just stepped into a dream scene.

Outside of photography, my general artistic inspiration is Vincent Van Gogh. Anyone who knows me knows I love Vincent! His work is so vibrant, imaginative, and the way he has converted all his pains and fears into such startlingly vivid works of art is astounding.

Q6: Where can you see yourself in 5 years’ time?

A: There are SO many different places I see myself. Ultimately I’d love to be signed to a band as their personal gig photographer and exploring the world with them on their tour. But then I also enjoy studying the arts, and there is a MA course in Museum Curation & Art History that has really piqued my interest, so I may end up working in a museum. Or I may become an English and Media teacher! I’m really open – as long as I’m doing something creative, I’ll be happy.

Q7: If you could share a message with the world, what would it be?

A: Do what makes you happy, and if it puts a little good into the world, then that is even better.

Check out more of Francescas work on Instagram @ francesca.thornton

-Or go to her Website – https://www.instagram.com/francesca.thornton/?hl=en

Thanks for Reading!!

Tilly Edgley

This week’s second post is a mini artist feature- from 19year old Photographer Tilly Edgley!

We couldn’t be more excited about Tilly’s work and to see where her talent takes her in the future!…

Q1: What is your Name, Age, and Where are you based?

A: My name is Tilly Edgley, I’m 19 years old and am based in Stoke Ferry, Norfolk.

Q2: What is your creative practice/ Artwork?

A: I’m currently studying a Level 3 Photography degree!

Q3: Are there any main themes you explore in your work?

A: Prior to photography I studied art and design, and have always been obsessed with Portraiture! From the very beginning, I ruled out anything landscape, still life etc… And knew that I wanted my work to be surrounding people. I have a lot of appreciation for things that have been well put together and the smallest of details have been considered. I think music is a good example of this and I’ve always found inspiration from album art, music videos and lyrics. They make for good prompts.

Q4: Highlight one of your biggest inspirations!

A: I actively address themes that other people tend not to. For example, I love images that make you feel uncomfortable, exposed but also intrigued. I like to pay attention to what people love to see and what they choose to avoid and make something that challenges that. One Artist who I take inspiration from is Tomas Xio Oliveras I love the style of their drawings, and always wondered how they would look as photos.

Q5: Where can you see yourself in 5 years’ time?

A: In 5 years time I would’ve finished uni, so hopefully I’ll be getting a job! As it stands right now I’d love to create images for magazines, go down a more editorial route. But I’m really open, my motives may change. I may want to create something more meaningful depending what takes my interests and what I feel needs addressing. Overall I just hope I’ll just be happy and enjoying whatever I’ve chosen to do!

If you want to see more of Tillys work and Support her, follow at @ tillytookthese

Thanks for Reading!!

Sophia Wakeman

Today we are very excited to be publishing our first Artist Feature of summer 2020! !WOOHOO!

Myself and Sophia had a “New Normal” Zoom call meeting to discuss life, art, and the future!…

Q1- What is your Name, Age, and Where are you based?

A: Its Sophia Wakeman, I’m 19 and I’m based in Cambridgeshire, well just in-between Norfolk and Cambridge.

Q2: What is your creative practice/ work?

A: Digital artwork at the moment, I used to do traditional art but didn’t have the facilities. I use a free version of Procreate for my computer to make the work. Its nothing fancy but works well for me!

Q3: Are there any main themes you explore in your work?

A: Drag Queens! I gravitate towards celebrities and mostly Drag artists for their eccentric looks and makeup, its different than just drawing a regular portrait. I tried landscape but it just fizzled out, then moved more towards portraits. People message me asking if I will do specific portraits of Queens, thats why I drew Crystal Methyd because someone asked me to do her, they helped that person become themselves.

Q4: How has the COVID-19 Pandemic affected your work?

A: I think I’ve been more motivated, as I have more time on my hands. I don’t have the pressure of completing my college assignments, so I can explore the work that I want to produce.!

Q5: Highlight one of your inspirations!

A: There’s is one person, her name is Francoise Nielly, she creates portraits using just pallet knives and spatulas, not tradition brushes. She’s one of the first artists I ever took inspiration from in secondary school, and I want my work to be bright and colourful like hers! When you scroll past it you can’t help but look.

Q6: Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?

A: Hopefully the goal is to be a self-sufficient full-time artist, selling work that supports myself. Thats the dream! I want to have a year or two focusing on myself and my work and maybe go to University, but that could always change.

Q7: If you could share a message young artists, what would it be?

A: Just- Do your art work for you! Don’t do it to gain an audience or please people, I did that for a while to create a following on Instagram but it doesn’t make you happy. Now I produce work to please myself. I feel like if you enjoy making the art and put yourself into then people notice your passion.

To see more of Sophias work and support her, check out her Instagram– @ wakemanart

And Website– https://linktr.ee/WakemanArt

Thanks for Reading!- Elsie.

Sophia Wakeman- Crystal Methyd Portrait.

Sophia Wakeman

LGBTQ+ Pride Month 2020!

Although many Pride events, marches+ meetings have been canceled this summer due to the current climate, Pride Month is still in full swing!

Here at the OP we fully support the LGBTQIA+ Community, so wanted to share some of our images from Norfolk Pride month in 2019, including KLWN Pride and Norwich Pride!

-HAPPY PRIDE-

KLWN PRIDE 2019 — KLWN Pride 2019 -Daisy

2020…

Hello! The Orange Peel Art Collective is active again for summer 2020!

Stay tuned for new Fresh Art content and think pieces!

-STAY SAFE-

Lauren MacGowan

Today myself and Daisy, (co-creator of the OP) are heading to Taylor Made Tattooz in Kings Lynn, for an appointment we have been thinking about for months! Which was finally happening on the 2nd of August, and we also had the amazing opportunity to talk to Lauren MacGowan about her creative practice…

Q- What is your name, age and where are you based?

A- Lauren… MacGowan, i’m 21 and i’m based at Taylor Made Tatooz in Kings Lynn! (followed by some freaking out about the voice recording!) (‘Don’t worry everyone hates their voice’)

Q- What is your art practice about, or what do you specialize in?

A- I tend to specialize in Mandalas and Dot work Style, I like doing realistic stuff too but prefer the dot work now. I also like to do painting if I get spare time but I’m very busy with the tattooing at the minuet.

Screen Shot 2018-08-06 at 16.53.14.png

Q- How long have you been tattooing?

A- I Qualified on the 2nd of January, this year, but I’ve been tattooing for about a year and a half since I was 19. I’ve always wanted to do it since I was 16! I did my Alevels, and then I started taking my portfolio around everywhere until I found somewhere that would take me on.

Q- Where can you see yourself in 5 years time?

A- Hopefully being invited to different Tattooing conventions, like in London or Manchester or guesting at different spots! I would like to have my own shop one day but I think that’s a bit further in the future.

Q- If you could give a positive message to yourself or younger tattoo artists what would you say?

A- Probably never give up! Because I went through a phase of rejection which was really hard, but I kept pushing myself to do it which worked out! Keep your portfolio open, I had pastels, watercolor, animals, script, portraits, flowers, a bit of everything, which really helps too!

Thankyou to Taylor Made Tatooz for letting us take images in your shop, you can find them and their amazing artwork on their Facebook page!

And to see more of Laurens work head to her Instagram!

‘OUTLET’ Exhibition

6th July 2018- We visited the ‘OUTLET’ Exhibition held at KES Highschool in Kings Lynn Norfolk, which was Curated and Organised by Meghan Martin-Lewis. Walking into the main hall, we are greeted by a semi-circle of worn easels holding a range of artwork all centred around the theme of ‘Mental Health’.

We loved that all the Artists involved in this exhibition are from Norfolk, but ranged in age, gender and technical ability. The range of artists helped to give multiple views on ‘Mental Health’ and varied the topics which were looked at, including personal expression, manifestations of different mental health issues, and what it feels like to overcome barriers. Our personal favourite were the portraits by artist Emilia D’Aloia , the almost bare portraits screamed Body Positivity and Self Eceptance which was verry refreshing to see in an exhibition on ‘Mental Health’ which can often be negative, (support her Artwork over on her instagram).

Meg was also raising money for the Charity Mind (West Norfolk) who ‘Provide advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem’, along with having amazing charity shops. This is one way that this exhibition helped the community along with providing a creative space where artist involved could express their own experiences which ‘Mental Health’ which is such a great way to help overcome issues and express your feelings.

Overall, this Exhibition was a great success in out eyes, as an Art Collective based in Norfolk it was great seeing someone elese open up a space where artists could express themsleves and present their work, but also after talking to people viewing the exhibit as well as some of the artists involved everyone was verry happy and super proud.

So, if you want to see more of Meghan’s work or talk to her about her amazing curating skills, you can find her @me3gg on Instagram- Or to help support Minds amazing work you can donate on their website!