Meet our Artists │ Kelly Jay │ May Collection │ Upcoming Female British Artists

Where have you found inspiration for this collection of works, and how has that influenced your practice? 

I wanted to create a playful series of works using stories connected to my mixed heritage ( Afro-Caribbean, Indian and British) for inspiration. These paintings represent my openness to experiment with even more decorative elements and patterns which has been instrumental to the development of my work as of late.

What have you enjoyed most about working on this collection?

I have really enjoyed the freedom of creating these works but also having the idea of summer in the back of mind when creating these pieces. This influenced my use of warmer colours and the paintings' subjects themselves.

Which female artist(s) have influenced you?

Lubaina himid has been a huge inspiration to me. Her artistic expression of the Black experience and women’s creativity is just amazing. I really respect her art journey and beginnings as a theatre designer. I can connect with that as my background is also in interior design as well as art.I think her Jelly Moulds she created in 2021 are just magical! 

Works by Hilma af Klint also inspire me. I love the free flowing feel of her pieces and the decorative, nature related elements. My practice somewhat mirrors hers in the concepts she had around mythological traditions.

The May Collection

Featuring 4 British, Female and emerging artists, the May Collection aims to highlight the new talent within the art world. Ranging from works inspired by British florals to worldly folklore, the May Collection shows some of the most promising emerging artists in the UK, allowing collectors to invest and buy art they love at affordable prices.