Jan 4, 20213 min read

Meet the Artist… Alice Walton

Updated: Jan 5, 2021

Today, for the first of our ‘Meet the Artist’ features we catch up for a socially distanced cuppa with printed textile designer, Alice Walton.

Hello Alice! Please tell us a bit about yourself.

I have been a printed textile designer for over thirteen years. I recently returned to my hometown of Faversham after living in London, and at the beginning of lockdown I began painting commission pieces. I now balance my time between digital design work for fashion and homewares, and original painted canvases.

Have you always been creative?

Yes, as I have been inspired and encouraged by creative parents. My dad is a silversmith and my mum studied and taught art and is always drawing, sewing, knitting and making. From a young age my mum took me to life drawing classes, I would spend time in my dad's workshop, and at home I would nearly always be making crafts in my spare time. After secondary school I completed a BTEC Diploma in Art and Design at KIAD Canterbury, then moved to Brighton where I gained my BA Hons Degree in Textiles for Fashion with Business Studies, specialising in Knitwear. During this course I had internships in London and New York, which helped me to gain a full time position with the same company after graduating. I have worked as a printed textile designer ever since.

How has your practice changed over time?

Over time I have tried many and various forms of making. Pottery, sewing, knitting, embroidery, collage, drawing, painting, screen printing and lino printing to name a few. I feel all of these practices influence and compliment each other, by learning new skills my design work develops and evolves. Living in different cities and countries also plays a huge role in my creative output. Before the pandemic I would travel and work in new places as often as possible, most recently to Bali, the south of France and always returning to New York. Each different surrounding brings a renewed enthusiasm and inspiration.

Do you have a ‘big boast’ job, or piece you’re most proud of?

I am most proud of the exhibition that I recently curated and hosted. I managed to achieve a large body of work that received such a warm and positive reaction. This has led to a progression of my painting which I am really enjoying. In my printed work I have sold to high street and high-end brands such as Calvin Klein, Karl Lagerfeld, DKNY, BIBA, John Lewis, Monsoon, Boden, Gap, Reiss, ASOS, Urban Outfitters and Anthropologie.

What excites you most about art?

Art is a subject so vast and expansive that there are always new things to learn and enjoy, new techniques and artists to discover and admire. Mostly I am excited to broaden my horizons via different cultures and their art.

What frustrates you?

Sometimes it is frustrating that a lot of space is needed for many forms of art and design. I dream of having a huge studio to paint and make pottery and print in a messy and unrestrictive way.

What art do you most identify with?

I have never been that enthralled by sculptural art. I identify far more with 2D forms. Usually something with colours so complimentary that it speaks to you. Although I enjoy such a wide variety of art it is sometimes hard to explain why something might appeal. David Hockney is an artist that I refer back to time and time again, as is Matisse. I prefer abstract expressionism over surrealism or realism.

What are your hopes for 2021 and beyond?

If I could carry on designing textile prints but with a focus more on fabrics for the home, combined with painting commissions also for people's homes then I would feel very satisfied and happy.