Meet Janie Murphy | Artist and Printed Textile Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Janie Murphy and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Janie, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
This is a question that has been asked of me very recently, during my trip to visit relatives in Arizona and Utah. My mum was an antique dealer and we used to collect remnants from Jumble sales and house clearances. As a child I was surrounded by piles of textiles, old clothes and bric and brac. My idea of heaven! From the age of 14yrs I started earning my own money by selling vintage and antique textiles to friends, family and commercially. This interest manifested in a love of textiles and surface print for fashion which has stayed with me ever since and I now design and print my own textiles. My mum took me to visit a friend who was a professor of Set Design at the Slade Art School in London. I walked in and was immediately taken by the sense of light flooding in from floor to ceiling windows, the intoxicating smell of oil paint and stacks of portfolios lined up against the walls. This experience ignited my desire to go to art school and my career in the creative arts.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Janie Murphy I live and work in London, (b.1967 Leamington Spa, UK). I studied an MA Degree in Textile Design at Central Saint Martin’s College of Art and Design, London (1993-1995). My work has sold through numerous retail outlets and galleries but more recently through The Artist Support Pledge via Instagram, Patternbank, The Dulwich Artist Open House, London and Nice Things Ramsgate (UK). I work from a small studio (converted 1920’s garage) at the end of my garden. I love drawing, painting, printmaking, creating papier maché and printed textiles. Inspiration for work is taken from everywhere and anywhere especially the environment and my garden.
Since the 1990’s I have designed for brands such as English Eccentrics, Hugh Dunford Wood, Paul Smith, Moss Brothers and Julia Smith.

On graduating from my BA Degree in Art and Design I began designing surface prints for Sweet Pea, a textile print studio in New York, US. Returning to the UK I then took up work as a hand Silk Painter for Dunford Wood Designs. This was a most wonderful opportunity and a once in a lifetime job. Working freelance I painted silk solidly for 2 years. During this time my work was featured in high end shops including Harrods and brought by prominent figures including John Cleese (Actor) and Brian May (Bass player in Queen).

• Example of my waistcoat design worn by musician Brian May at the Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert in 1992 see: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apGYiT-xJeo

My drawing hand improved as did my sense of design and feel for colour. However, this work was not to last and I wanted to return to printed textiles. I gained a place at the Domus Academy in Milan Italy but accepted an offer from Central Saint Martins College instead. I often wonder what course my life would have taken if I had gone to Italy?
I turned to teaching part time after my MA and have spent over 25 years teaching printed textiles, drawing and printmaking to adults and 16-20 yr olds. I always practice my own work and alongside my teaching I am a practicing artist and designer. This is what feeds my soul.

I love to draw, especially observational, this work keeps me sane. Drawings are developed as abstract artworks using bright colours, surface overlays, collage and prints. My drawings are translated into surface print designs, hand printed textiles for T Shirts, scarves, bags and lavender bags. You can see examples of my current print designs featured here on Patternbank: https://patternbank.com/janiemurphy

Alongside all of this work I also make papier mache artworks including clocks, mirrors, fashion brooches, bowls, greetings cards and little dolls.

My advice to someone who wants to be a creative is to not lose heart. Stay true to yourself, feed that drive and desire and don’t let anyone put you off. I am a big believer that you need to practice observational drawing, so draw every day, even if it is a small speck of dirt in front of you!

You can also see my designs featured on:
https://www.instagram.com/janiemurphy4

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Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Tuscon: Signal Hill at sundown for the beautiful views and photographs.
Mount Lemmon: Superb views of the city and best ever fudge can be found at Sawmill .
Saguaro National Park to experience the amazing scenery and wildlife.
Tohono Chul Park: fabulous cafe and gift shop plus amazing museum of cactus.
El Charro Cafe and Restaurant for fabulous Mexican food
Vintage shops on 4th Ave: How Sweet it Was and Tuscon Thrift Store.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My cousin Michael Draper, now semi professional photographer living in Tuscon Arizona.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janiemurphy4/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janie-murphy-39160b37/?originalSubdomain=uk

Other: https://patternbank.com/janiemurphy