Pinky florals, Pop Art, and happy accidents with Keren Parmley.

Keren Parmley is a printmaker from the North East of England. Inspired by pop culture, fashion, and home decor, her artwork uses a combination of hand painted design and digital techniques. We had a lovely chat with her: feel free to explore her floral range of designs here.

1. Hi Keren! Let’s get you introduced to our customers! Can you tell us a little bit about you?

Hello! I'm Keren (named after Keren from Bananarama). I am a printmaker from a town called Stockton in the North East.

2. We can see you're based in the North East of England, did you grow up there?

My family is from the North East but I moved around most of my early childhood as my dad was in the army so we lived down south for many years and in Germany, I moved back when I was around 10 and have been here ever since.

3. Can you tell us about the step by step creative process behind each of your unique designs?

I usually start with an idea which seems amazing in my head but when I make it, it doesn't feel right and end up doing something completely different. I get inspired by fashion, home interiors and music. Sometimes I feel really inspired whereas others I may scroll through Pinterest or Instagram for some inspiration.

When making my most recent prints, I started with a hand drawing or painting and worked on the designs digitally, or I combine a few different designs to create one print. I love experimenting with different media and methods. I go with the flow, keep things simple and do what feels right when creating work. I love experimenting with colour and enjoy little imperfections, so a flash of the scanner that leaves a light mark or an incorrect brush stroke. 

I'm from a printing background and I did a lot of screen printing whilst studying art and I think that's why I love beautiful mistakes and the happy accidents you get from the process of making prints. I'm also really attracted to the colour pink; everything just seems to look better if its pink to me. I'm really trying to make things that aren't just pink.

4. What's your earliest memory related to art, design or Illustration? First museum visit or creative experience that had an impact on you?

I'm not from an arts or cultured upbringing, I'm a working-class northern lass.

I remember my dad being good at drawing when I was a kid, and my mam always had a creative flair as a hairdresser. I was always good at drawing and was the 'arty' one in the family. 

My first proper memory of art really having an impact on me was learning about Pop Art at school, It's where my obsession with Andy Warhol began. I remember making a Marilyn Monroe style Warhol print of Jennifer Aniston who was popular at the time...so this is going back to the 90s. The Pop Art era really sparks joy and inspires me, even from a young age.

5. Did you go to art school? What was the focus of your studies?

Yes, I did. We have one of the very few specialised art schools in the country right on my doorstep (The Northern School of Art formally CCAD), where I studied art, design and textiles, I did a stint at a fashion degree and completed a Fine Art degree at Teesside University, and I have a master's degree in International Business. 

I've been very lucky to have been taught by some super talented artists and designers over the years who have a real passion for the arts.

6. What do you do for fun outside of the studio?

I'm fully immersed in motherhood at the moment, and when I'm not working, I'm usually looking after my babies. When I do get some time to myself, I enjoy yoga, going to a gig or for nice food and drinks.

Quick fire:

It’s Friday night, what’s your go to cocktail? ➡️ Pornstar martini

If you could describe yourself in 3 words, what would they be? ➡️ Friendly, chatty, quirky.

What is your last Google search? ➡️ 'Silver trousers'

What never fails to make you laugh? ➡️ My son, he's a belter

What’s your go-to karaoke song? ➡️ I don't do karaoke, absolutely tone def!

Salty or sweet? ➡️ Sweet.