London Grilling: Artist, Freya Young-Jamieson
Welcome Freya, It’s so great to speak with you, your work is so beautiful. Tell us, what initially sparked your interest in art?
I was encouraged to explore painting throughout my childhood, and I am currently focused on developing simple children's stories using my illustrations.
Growing up, who were your favourite artists? is there any particular image that you always felt drawn to?
The colours used in cave art are soft while the presence of the animals are clear and this has inspired several calendars and a card collection focused on animals.
Did you have any mentors that helped you grow as an artist?
The guidance of my publisher has helped me to curate my collections. I am grateful for this guidance on how to best capture people's eye.
Can you tell our readers about your creations? When did you start?
I have been creating these simple card designs for a decade, and I find that the physical calendars are appreciated in homes overtaken with technology. I have made custom requests before and I love to use my art for storytelling purposes.
Do you have any rituals you do while you work to get you in the creative zone?
Like many young Londoners, I have a job which requires focus and so I paint and draw to unwind whilst enjoying music and podcasts as I try to capture the essence of the subject.
Where is your studio based?
I am now painting in South East London, but until now I was in North West London near Regents Park. I have been particularly lucky that I was creating my artwork near to the animals and landscapes which inspired them.
Where do you go in London to get inspired?
I love being in open spaces, and London is fortunate to have a lot of distinct spaces to choose from. Eltham Woods is a wilder experience, while Regents Park is beautifully presented, but both allow me to have a walk to reflect on the meaning of the imagery, and what I then make.
What's the most memorable/heartwarming feedback you have received about your designs?
I am told that my calendar is often the only physical calendar in the home for many of my customers. I love the frequency at which people say it has been incorporated into their daily routines. Knowing that my designs are looked at each day and associated with the action of marking the passage of time is uplifting for me.
If you could create a mural anywhere in the world, where would it be and what would it depict?
I would want to create a mural for children at an interactive play area. The mural would still be inspired by animals, and I would bring together collections of animals at a place for the community to enjoy.
Where are your favourite places in London to get a bite to eat?
This is so tricky! I always meet my publisher at a coffee shop at 82 Marylebone (Hagen Espresso Bar) which has a focus on sustainability. I always enjoy the charm of Zedel which is just off Piccadilly, and the atmosphere of the Everest Inn in Blackheath is fun.
Where can our readers find you online?
I have an Etsy site for my calendars and cards, and these are also available in smaller retailers.
For Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/BeatriceWillyamsCo?ref=l2-about-shopname
For Trade: https://www.johnaustinpublishing.co.uk/artist-freya-young-jamieson.html
