'World Famous on ArterNet Art' - Nicole Purdie - is our Featured Guest Artist

January 14, 2022

'World Famous on ArterNet Art' - Nicole Purdie - is our Featured Guest Artist

Nicole Purdie Prints.

Nicole Purdie

Prints by the Bay is the printmaking practice of Nicole Purdie, an illustrator and printmaker from Dorset, UK

Nicole trained in Illustration at the Arts University Bournemouth, spending several years after graduating in 2007 creating murals and art for live events and festivals. She then went on to experiment with the linocut technique back in 2019, and quickly fell in love with the process.

“Linocut is a very handmade and traditional method; unlike modern digital illustration styles, one can really feel the connection between artist and image by seeing and responding to the mark making and imagery. As an illustrative medium it perfectly suits strong visual narratives and storytelling, which are key to driving my work in print.”

Nicole’s work examines connections between people and place; often dealing with the female experience, her prints explore women’s place in society both historically and presently. Much of her work addresses ideas of nature, climate, and the human connection we have to our environment.

ArterNet Art: A little word about the culture of our company - ArterNet Art - we like to put a human face to all our members and featured guest artists.

We feel it's very important for artist members of ArterNet Art to meet established and inspiring artists, in order to learn more about how they became the artist we see today. What were their challenges, their ideals, their twists and turns, etc. This is why we love these interview chats and why they are proving to be so popular.

So without further ado: Nicole, can you give our readers an idea of your route to becoming an artist?

Nicole: I knew I wanted to be an artist from a very young age. I was always drawing and creating. I studied art at high school and then I went to art school for 3 years (The Arts University Bournemouth) specialising in illustration. It took a while before I really found my feet in the industry and it became a viable career - many years were spent experimenting with different styles and mediums.
ArterNet Art: Have you had to overcome any difficulties or major hurdles on your journey to becoming the successful, established artist we see today?

Nicole: Many! The art world can be a very fickle beast. I actually didn’t think it was going to happen for me as things have only taken off in the past 3 years. On the way to where I am now I have taken on all sorts of jobs to pay the bills- cleaning, life guarding, waitressing and retail. I also took quite a lot of time out to focus on motherhood.

'Drunken Sailor' Print

ArterNet Art: Yes, that's very true in this industry and often people don't see that side of an artists art practice. Nicole, linocut is not very common can you tell us more about this medium that you have chosen to work with and what was it that attracted you to use it?

Nicole: I work mainly in the medium of linocut/relief printmaking. This is where you work in reverse and carve an image into a material, which is then inked up and printed. I tried it in 2019 and quickly fell in love. It really suits my style of illustration and I love the challenge of mapping out the dark and light areas, and the creative process of decision making as you carve. I love how authentically hand made it is- it’s a breath of fresh air compared to all the digital styles we see in the field these days.

ArterNet Art: Do you have a daily routine? Has it always been this way and can you tell our readers how your day looks?

Nicole: I like to start the day with something creative- be that drawing a new design, carving the lino- or printing my blocks. I have the most energy first thing and feel the most creative. Afternoons are usually where I focus on the admin- emailing, accounts, or packing any orders.

ArterNet Art: Can you share some techniques and insights into your process from conception to creation

Nicole: I usually start the process by drawing and sketching out ideas and laying out my design using procreate on the iPad. I then transfer the design to lino using carbon paper. Then comes the carving stage. Finally - I print using my amazing etching press.

Here are some of my processes:

ArterNet Art: These are very interesting, Nicole.

How has your work developed since you began and how do you see it evolving in the future?

Nicole: My work has become more and more detailed and stylistic- all my current works have a similar look and feel that ties them together - all very tree/nature and folkloric inspired, with strong female centric themes. This year I want to start bringing more multi layered prints into my work- several colours and develop that palette.

ArterNet Art: Is there anything in particular that inspires you to create art?

Nicole: Climate change, women’s issues, stories and my imagination - usually a combination of those things! An idea will pop into my head and I add it to the list.😊

ArterNet Art: What has been your favourite or most memorable art sale?

Nicole: I was recently commissioned to make some prints for a very well known worldwide company (Can’t tell you who!) which was a big deal for me and I felt very proud of my achievements.

ArterNet Art: Well done. How have you and your art business been impacted by Covid-19? Has much changed since that time?

Nicole: Covid 19 has helped my business if anything - a lot more people needed interesting content to watch at home, so my online presence really bloomed, as well as online sales. I’m looking forward to connecting with my customers in real life more in the future - through workshops, markets and exhibitions.

ArterNet Art: Going back to when you first started out and knowing what you know now, what would you do differently and what advice would you give to an aspiring new artist?

Nicole: Keep going! Don’t procrastinate- just do it. Find time for something creative each day and keep at it. It can take a while to find your niche.

ArterNet Art: Also for our new artists, can you share some tips on how you marketed yourself, when you first started out. What are one or two things you tried that worked amazingly well?

Nicole: I mainly market myself through Instagram, and social media. I’ve found being open minded and flexible to trying new trends has helped me. Don’t be scared of trying things outside your comfort zone. Making video content and being present on social media has really helped me to grow.

ArterNet Art: What plans and goals do you have for the future, both creatively and personally? Then ultimately, if all the stars aligned, what do you see as your end game? ( I know, most people get taken aback when they are confronted with this question, but I believe it's one we should all think about at some stage)

Nicole: I’d like to own some sort of bricks and mortar property in the future. Not just selling my own work, but perhaps being a creative hub that offer workshops and learning, as well as offering my designs on clothing too.

A multi functional space.

ArterNet Art: Sounds wonderful. Tell us about any hobbies you may have, sports or interests other than art?

Nicole: I like to keep a regular exercise regime. I usually workout for at least 20 minutes everyday. I really find it helps keep me grounded and working to the best of my abilities.

ArterNet Art: Do you have any quotes you live by or practice daily?

Nicole: I try to be true to me - making art that I like, saying no to projects or situations that aren’t right for me, and making as much as my work eco-friendly in its production as possible.