Niamh Birch
Which 3 words best describe how you would like your art to be perceived?
BOLD, VIBRANT, CHEERFUL
What creative challenge have you faced and overcome that has transformed your art practice?
Finishing university and moving back home with no studio space wasn’t great. The last few months of university was packed full of painting, curation and socialising with like-minded people which I loved. Going from that to a summer job where most of my creative juices dwindled with every bucket and spade I sold was pretty bleak. I was then awarded a 10 month residency back in Bath at 44AD Art Space & Studios. That was cool.
What tools do you use as part of the preliminary process?
I draw and doodle on anything, from newspapers to my studio floor. I also write lots of notes in my phone. If a friend makes a witty remark or I hear a great phrase, I’ll make a note of it which could start off a new body of work. I also take lots of random photos.
4 years ago, I took a photo of a small umbrella symbol on the side of a huge cardboard box which was thrown in a skip, and umbrellas have been used in my paintings ever since.
How do you start a session?
A painting session always starts with a cup of Yorkshire tea, the right music/podcast and my painting slippers.
How do you deal with doubts and fears?
Social media is a blessing and a curse. Every day I find myself reading fellow artists fears about our artistic futures, not having enough faith or confidence in our work and second guessing ourselves. I find what my peers say who are all in similar situations very relatable and often re-assuring because it reminds me we are all in the same boat, trying to stay focused and hopeful. If that doesn’t work, I just pop the kettle on. Again.
With what intentions do you infuse your art making?
A fusion of representative still life and acquired thoughts, both precious and expressive.
Where do you draw your colour inspiration from?
Watching artist interviews, skimming through books and mainly taking a good look at my surroundings. My approach to colour is slowly maturing, I’m trying to move past generic shades towards a sharper palette. I feel like I don’t appreciate the colours of the sky enough.
What brilliant piece of advice were given on your creative journey and would be happy to share?
Don’t listen to the snobs.
What is something absurd that you love doing?
Is eating carrots dipped in marmite weird? I used to be obsessed with biscuits and eat custard cream sandwiches. I’m a bourbon gal now.
What do you like about your work, and what do you dislike about it?
You know when you’re in one of those painting sessions where everything is going right? Fresh paintings are popping out left, right and centre, the playlist is banging and the sun’s natural light is falling beautifully throughout the studio… on these days, I like everything I do.
When I’m relaxed and happy I produce my best work. Unlike on the days I’m feeling blue, it’s inevitable that I’ll probably dislike everything I paint that day.
What do you tell yourself to keep you out of procrastination?
If I don’t give it my all now, there’s no point carrying on. Or I check up on other artists my age and see how well they’re doing within the art world, that normally works. A balance between those two things whilst also being kind to myself seems to be working.
