Meet Uwu Studio
Hi, my name is Lily and I run Uwu Studio. I graduated from university , studying illustration, in 2020 during the pandemic. I found there was no work at the time, where I live in rural Suffolk and so Uwu Studio was born! I am an illustrator and pattern designer working from my studio in rural Suffolk. I am a one woman team, founder and creator of Uwu studio, meaning colour, in one of the many Nigerian dialects.
There’s an underpinning theme of my identity throughout my work. At face value, colour and pattern and subject matter. But this runs deeper than just aesthetic- colour can enhance and change your mood and pattern can unwind a stressed , busy mind, well being is a focal point in my work. I also have a series which is now prints homeware and a colouring book, inspirational women. A book of black and minority ethnic women intended to uplift and inspire women – to know that they can do anything!
Representation and equality is also huge part of my practise, to empower my community. Uwu studio spans across many sectors and disciplines already, it’s a very eclectic and a unique business, I’ve only really just began there is so much more to come!
I thought if I could not get a job, I would make a job and it feels now as though I never work a day in my life! I began selling prints and cards, smaller items and over the last year have expanded and sell textiles, homeware and bespoke items. It feels surreal to have had such success, not only do people like my work, the business has thrived during a pandemic. After graduating with a first class degree in BA illustration during the pandemic I felt it wasn’t the time to start an MA with remote learning. Along with the absolute lack of jobs in my field in Suffolk, I thought i would create my own job. I didn’t want a 9-5 until “something” came up, I wanted to make a better life for myself doing what I love to do and having the creative freedom to work as I want to and work across industries like illustration to textiles to community arts and not have to fit into any box. Creating fearless transformations, empowering my community and bringing you imaginative , bold and quality creations! All of my work is produced in the UK to keep a low carbon footprint, a lot of the materials are printed on recycled items where possible, being ethical and environmentally friendly is important to me.
Now, I work on a plethora of things. I tend to try to mix things up so work never feels boring or stagnant. As well as my gift and homeware business, I will occasionally take on freelance work, so I am pushed out of my comfort zone, working with clients like Aire Place Studios and the BBC. I also work within community and participatory art working in the community doing workshops and murals. These tend to be with young people or those struggling with mental health. So I really will give anything a go! I am currently curating my first exhibition, which will have a pop up shop of my gifts and homeware too! Im really excited and love trying new things.
I am constantly inspired by the world around me especially nature. There are loads of great artists that I love and I frequently explore galleries and travel to keep my inspiration fresh. Uwu Studio is a completely independent female led business. With the core element for art to be inclusive and accessible. As art can seem pretentious and out of reach. For many homeware is a fabulous way to incorporate artwork and colour without buying expensive originals. For those who aren’t fortunate enough to have that disposable income to decorate their home, I’ve immersed myself into the community arts and participatory arts working with all ages – doing talks murals , and workshops with people from all backgrounds, giving them access into my world as an artist and sharing that experience with them. This sense of inclusivity is excellent for the participants well-being and confidence. Giving them a joyous and unique experience for free, through community funding. Coming from a single parent home and as a minority ethnic woman; I hope my time even if for a moment inspires 1 person to believe that the business world, the art world isn’t out of their reach. Uwu studio isn’t just about me making beautiful things, it’s about me making beautiful spaces and beautiful thriving communities.
*This blog post is provided by the business owner featured – the views and opinions expressed on this blog are not our own.
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