MY STORY!

ALEX KELLEY - " Just love to paint prawns!"

BACKGROUND

I was born and brought up in Worcestershire and Cornwall. I began my art studies at Cambridge Arts Tutors and went on to do a Foundation Course and then a BA in Illustrative arts at The City and Guilds of London Art School

https://www.cityandguildsartschool.ac.uk/

where I specialised in Printmaking specifically Lithography. During this time I was awarded the Printing Prize by Sir Roger De Grey, President of the Royal Academy and chosen to design a Christmas card for the Fishmongers Guild.

After graduating from Art School I trained to become a Montessori teacher in London alongside teaching Art. During which time I continued to draw and paint taking commissions for Portraits of Dogs and Children.

In 2002 my husband and I were craving the countryside and we moved to Midhurst, West Sussex. I continued to paint and exhibited at Midhurst Gallery where I also worked.

I have a great love of nature, which pushed me to feed this love and apply for a job in a garden centre. There I spent 8 happy years working as house plant manager where I used my creative talents not only display , buy and care for the plants but become involved in the giftware department as a buyer. I loved it!

SINGAPORE- INDIGO PRAWN

I LOVE TO PAINT PRAWNS!

In 2011 we moved to Singapore for my husband's job.It was here where I reconnected with my creative talent. I was inspired by the vivid colours and unique light that permeated the Island.

It was here that INDIGO PRAWN was first conceived. Firstly I love to paint prawns and they have been a re-occuring image during my artistic career! The company began after creating an image for friend a to remind her of her time in Asia. This inspired me to look at the unique Asian symbols around all around me. From this I developed my Lanterns, Ginger Jars and Pineapple series which have since become icons of INDIGO PRAWN.

My designs are mainly hand painted in ink or linocut prints, with the images reflecting various aspects of the local Asian culture and the Sea, another of my passions. My work is clean, simple and bright, underlining my love of colour.

Now having moved home to the UK I am embarking on a new collection using my love of the seaside to inspire me. I am creating a line of greetings cards and homewares, so watch this space!