Meet Twenty Birds
This month’s Maker of the Month is Twenty Birds, the colourful creation of North Yorkshire artist Monica. From her Ripon studio, she transforms simple geometric shapes into bold prints, hanging decorations and homeware inspired by birds and flowers. We chatted with her about her creative journey, love of abstraction, and the joy of finding personality in shape and colour.
Get 10% off Twenty Birds throughout November with the code NOVFEATURE
Tell us a bit about your background and why you started your creative business.
I was a creative from leaving school, all of my A Levels were art-based. I went on to do an art foundation, a Degree in Graphic Design and Masters in Sequential design. Worrying that I was addicted to studying art, I worked as a Graphic designer for about a year but I really missed the educational environment, so I trained to teach. I always had a project on the go alongside my day job. One particular project started to grow and became Twenty Birds. I am still teaching and designing. I love the energy and interaction between students and creative peers, so I hope I can always do both.
My creative journey began early, with art-based A Levels after leaving school. I then pursued an art foundation, followed by a Degree in Graphic Design, and completed my Masters in Sequential Design at the University of Brighton in 2006. It was during this year that I also moved to North Yorkshire.
What do you make and how would you describe your style?
My style is inherently geometric abstract and colourful. I’m deeply inspired by colour found in nature, which I strive to capture in my work. I primarily work with shape digitally, then enjoy exploring how these designs can be applied to a variety of products. A key aspect of my art is trying to create likenesses through abstraction, and I particularly love the moments at markets where customers find the hidden birds in my prints or identify specific species.
What inspires your work?
My range is inspired by birds and flowers. I am inspired by the natural colour palette of my inspiration, but very much work in bright block colours. As the designer and creator of Twenty Birds, my work stems from a fascination with the wide variety of pattern and colour within varying birds. I’m drawn to collections, and I enjoy displaying the differences and similarities within a group, finding order in layout, correlation in shape, and contrast in scaling and pattern.
Tell us about your creative process
I like to simplify original forms, set myself rules, and be creative within them. Twenty Birds originated from turning the same right angles triangle into different birds by changing the size and placement of the beak. This began to give them different personalities even before I began to explore the colour and markings. I wanted to explore where the beaks of one bird could overlap the marking of another bird – This became the original screen print where I tessellated twenty garden birds to become a large square.
What’s your workspace or studio like?
I have recently moved to a new studio. It is in the centre of Ripon, North Yorkshire, and looks out on the square. It is a fantastic old building shared with other businesses. I share my room with another artist who is a ceramicist.
What’s your favourite thing to make – and why?
I love changing processes. The hanging birds are made in batches and all differ slightly, some with additional features such as wings, tails and tufts. Deigning is fantastic when you get a burst of inspiration, it is often hard to stop.
Printmaking has a magic about it; in each layer there is always an element of surprise when the colours mix together.
What’s something people might not know about your craft or the skills involved?
I made my own screen printing bed out of a worktop and a domestic hoover. It is amazing what you can create with the help of Youtube.
What does creativity mean to you?
Creativity is a necessity not a hobby. Without it I am not myself.
What does Christmas look like for you?
I love a cosy Christmas with immediate family. It is so busy in the build-up with Christmas orders, markets, and teaching which mean I really appreciate the quiet time where we can all be together.
Do you have any festive products you’re particularly proud of this year?
Which three Folksy things are you buying for, or Folksy shops are you buying from, this Christmas – or would love to receive?
These would be my perfect Christmas gifts, a colour-block scarf adorned with a lovely ceramic brooch. This beautiful jug fit right in my kitchen.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone thinking about starting a creative business?
Don’t follow the trends. If you are creating a popular product or subject matter that is trending, it will soon be over. Stay authentic and create what makes you happy.
What is a quote you live by?
I don’t – I find that if you live by one quote, it could be limiting – we are continuously evolving.
Previous Featured Maker – Ant Kelly Creations
To find out more about Ant Kelly Creations head to her shop or read all our previous maker interviews here.
