By Radka Hostašová
In a recent feature we shone a spotlight on makers and small businesses that stand out in Liverpool’s creative community. However, there’s still so many talented individuals who should not be left out. Whereas in our previous article we focused our attention mainly around traditional craft and handmade production, today we want to highlight an area of contemporary art that goes in a hand with continually progressing technology; illustration and printmaking.
Helen Louise Design
With her colourful, playful, yet realistic artworks, Helen Louise Design captures charming spots in Liverpool and thus, preserves the unmistakable atmosphere of the city. Looking at her pieces will make you realise how elaborate her illustrations are, with a focus on details that bring the pictures into the third dimension. Helen’s prints are available as posters, but also in a form of cards, postcards and coasters.
Rosa Illustration
Another artist that significantly contributes to the local creative field is Rosa Kusabbi, whose prints and animations portray femininity as well as social strains and issues. Through her vivid, vintage-inspired illustrations, Rosa emphasises women’s empowerment, cultural diversity and freedom of expression. The style the artist applies is very distinctive – a bright colour palette dominated by yellow, orange and pink, realistic figures contradicted with loosened cheerful lines, and last but not least, mischievous reflection on taboos in today’s society.
Christopher Walster
Although the next artist on our list is currently based in Manchester, his work stands at the forefront of skyline illustrators in the North West. Compared to the previously mentioned artists, Christopher Walster’s pieces are rather minimalistic, using simple black lines that contrast with a plain white background. His monochrome illustrations are genuine depictions of UK and European cities as well as world metropolises. In other words, Christopher’s art is like a world tour you can experience through his posters, paper stationery and homeware.
Studio AW
From digital prints, we now move to a more traditional technique – watercolour. Studio AW is a local, female-led business producing unique illustrations inspired by nature. Annie – the artist who stands behind Studio AW – creates beautiful, delicate artworks that combine botanical motifs and female elements. Her pieces are characteristic of muted, natural colours and geometrical shapes that meet blurry watercolour patches in a way that creates the artist’s original signature.
Abby Sumner Design
And finally, our list will be completed by an artist whose Risograph prints resemble a parade of colours. Abby Sumner primarily concentrates on abstract art as her pieces consist of geometric shapes and lines. With a simplicity on one side, Abby brings her prints to life with the spectrum of bright colours, such as pink, yellow, red and orange. Her lively creations are later converted into posters, calendars and gift cards.
Each of the artists we have introduced today have their own remarkable style, influenced by different aspects, environments and eras. However, the thing they all have in common is the flow of energy that gleams out of their illustrations. To present the best artists in the region, Liverpool Print Fair’s two-day event is a great opportunity for creative individuals to exhibit their work. And of course locals can support the growth of small art businesses by purchasing their favourite prints. The next festival takes place in November 2022 and stalls are now open for applications.