Getting to Know the Artist Behind The Peacock & The Printmaker - Heather Moore
An Interview with Rachael Straughan - Founder of Mayfli
Can you tell us the story of how you went from being a teacher to artist.
We have to go back a good few years to when I visited Ouseburn Open studios in November 2017. I had never visited a professional art studio before but was immediately absorbed by these amazing spaces where real artists created real art as a job. It blew my mind. One of the most amazing spaces was Northern Print. As soon as I got in there I was captivated by all the different print techniques that you could try and pretty soon afterwards I bought a Lino printing kit.
It started out as a great hobby - a way for me to get some creative time just for me and rediscover my love for art. At this point in life I felt as if I was completely consumed by motherhood and there was none of Heather left. Creating art reignited a spark in me and it felt great.
It wasn’t long before friends were asking for commissioned pieces and wanting to pay me. That felt so good - that someone liked what I created and thought it was good enough to spend their hard earned cash on. Soon after I found I had so many prints that people were complimenting so I put my work on Instagram (I felt a bit sick putting myself out there like that) and eventually opened an Etsy shop. That shop taught me a lot about pricing and fees, the importance of photography and just how competitive the art world could be. There are a lot of linocut artists on there so it was a real challenge but you have to realise what makes you different.
I joined a business club in lockdown to explore the idea of having a business further. It blew my mind just how many facets there were to it and how much I had to do for myself - email lists, photography, marketing, tax returns and all the rest of it - but it only made me hungrier for it and I realised it was what I’d always wanted to do. In 2022, I left teaching and jumped into being a full time artist. I have never looked back.
What's the biggest creative roadblock you've faced, and how did you overcome it?
I was totally uninspired in lockdown and I was definitely not alone in that. It’s hard to find inspiration when you feel trapped and are just looking at the same walls and screens all day long.
After talking to my husband about it, I set myself a challenge to create a new print every month. I wasn’t sure what to print so I asked my social media followers. One of them suggested seasonal flowers. I loved that idea so I did some research (I know nothing about gardening) and got stuck into it.It definitely loosened me up and soon I was back into the swing of things.
If you could bottle the feeling you get while creating, what would it smell like?
Ooh that’s such a good question. Sea air (for the calming aspect of the carving and my general love of the sea as a theme) and fizzers sweets (my favourite as a child) - maybe with a bit of fizzy lifting drink thrown in because I feel so much lighter and bouncier after I have done a printing session!
If you could exhibit your work anywhere in the world, with no limitations, where would it be and why?
I’d love to work with the biscuit factory because I love how they showcase local makers but somewhere in the Venice Bienale would be cool too. Mainly though I want my work to be enjoyed in homes being back happy memories of trips to the coast. That’s what inspires me and I think its so important to have art that speaks to you in your home.
What piece are you most proud of selling, and what story does it tell
I remember selling one of my peacock prints to a lovely man at a local art market. He was looking for something special for his son who had just moved into his own home. He saw the peacock and loved it but, like I always do, he walked around the market for a while before he came back for it. I was overjoyed at how he was pulled back to it among so many beautiful pieces and it was the first print I sold to someone outside of my friends and family group.
It just goes to show how people connect with art on an instinctive and emotional level. There was just something about it that brought him bag because he somehow knew to was perfect for his son.
If you could create a piece with any artist (living or dead), who would it be and why?
I adore the work of Sarah Graham. We own two of her pieces and they bring me joy every day. Her colour palette is utterly joyful - we share that in common. I had the pleasure of working on the Samarivans project that she lead and we raised a ton of money for charity. The exhibition was so inspiring and her energy was infectious. I’d love to put together a joint project or exhibition about the nostalgia of the seaside. That would really allow both of our art styles and themes to shine.
What's the most unexpected thing that's ever inspired your work?
I guess it was the pink hibiscus. I never thought of myself as much of a pink girl but when I saw it on holiday so wasn’t really thinking about creating anything but I just had to get my sketchbook out and it came so naturally that I had to turn it into a print. It was a total joy to create from beginning to end and it really helped me to solidify my artistic style.
What inspired you to start offering workshops?
With my teaching experience it just seemed like a no brainer. I love the idea of sharing my passion with people who want to be creative but don’t know how to start or people who feel stuck in a creative rut. It gives me such a kick to see the transformation that happens over 2 hours. It’s really rewarding.
Who is your ideal workshop student?
I love working with total beginners or people who had a go in school and have this nostalgia attached to it. It’s fun to see them discover or rediscover the joy of the peel bag. It’s amazing how many people do a little dance or bounce when they see this beautiful things that they’ve created.
What is the biggest takeaway you hope students get from your workshops?
Inspiration - whether they continue with printmaking or go on to explore other creative outlets I want they to feel inspired to explore and stay connected to their inner artist. So many people push it aside and prioritise other things but art has such a powerful impact on us and has a knock on effect across our whole lives. It was particularly lovely when someone who had been to a workshop years ago came back and brought her daughter. It was a lovely bonding experience and they fed of each other’s creative sparks. I gave them some tips on where to head for lunch after too as they we're making a day of it.
Have you had any funny or memorable moments during a workshop?
When Josephine walked into one of my workshops, her energy was instantly different. Within minutes we were excitedly talking about peacocks - she had kept them in her birth country and another person who was at the workshop had just had a peacock start nesting in her garden. It was such a bizarre but wonderful coincidence so the workshop doubled as an art experience and a session about how to care for peacocks. Josephine went on to print peacock feathers and we played with colour blends. The dance she did when she peeled back the first feather was amazing - I got it on camera. I love seeing that excitement and sense of achievement come out of people.
Is there any advice you'd give to someone considering taking a workshop?
Just do it. It’s such a therapeutic experience and taking that 2 hours for yourself is going to have a positive effect on your well-being. You don’t need any art experience so don’t let that hold you back.
Get more information about booking online and in person workshops here.