Q & A with Alison Willoughby

How would you describe your work?
My work is all about colour, shape and playful combinations. Working between art & design, my bold and cheerful style is realised through collage, painting and textile design.

Can you give us some insight into your process for creating your artworks?
I usually start a painting or a collage with a particular colour palette I am interested in. For the two artworks I created for Consequence of Change, I knew I wanted to create a really vibrant and colourful combination. 
For these pieces I created some collages to start with, experimenting with shapes and colours physically . Then I drew these shapes on the computer and refined them digitally to create the patterns!

Is there a typical day in the studio or is every day different?
Every day is different! Some days I am focusing on my personal projects and paintings, meaning a much slower pace, and other days on design projects with deadlines and more strict timelines.  I usually start and end the day with lists as I am very much a lists person! 

What inspires you when you are creating your artworks?
I’m inspired by fashion colour palettes for sure. I am also quite inspired by nature and the shapes and colours that come from it.  These two things are almost like modern ideas vs classic ideas, and I think that thinking in both of these mindsets is something I like to do.

What would your dream project/collaboration be (apart from working with Consequence of Change!?)
It’s gotta be Marimekko - it’s just such a timeless brand, created by women for women. I just love everything they do!

Who are your favourite artists and why?
Carmen Herrera for her bold and striking pieces, and her years of dedication to her work. 
Dick Bruna - I grew up with his illustrations and have loved Miffy since I was a kid.
Annie Everingham for her dreamy colour palettes.  
Yayoi Kusama for her all consuming art and installations.
I have so many!!