Leila Mead

Capturing the essence of colour, form, and the human figure, Leila Mead creates artworks across various mediums, with a particular emphasis on printmaking and drawing. Recently, Leila has shifted her focus toward the beauty of everyday life and the simple things that bring her joy, as well as fully embracing Lino printing, expanding her creative practice to include printing on clothing.

For years, Leila dedicated her time in her home studio to meticulously planning screen print projects. Once the designs were ready, she would head to a local screen print studio to bring them to life. Her most recent project featured a carefully curated blend of block colours and the feminine form.

However, Leila has now managed to squeeze a desk into her tiny spare room to make a little studio space. Inspired by her work as a block printing assistant, she began experimenting with Lino printing at home. She started by creating A5 designs inspired by the things that make her happy. She tells us; “After printing these designs on paper, I wondered if I could print them on clothing. Once finding I could, I was off!” Sourcing second-hand clothing from local charity shops, Leila focuses on printing exclusively on 100% linen or cotton.

Leila’s journey into screen printing began at GCSE level in school. “I vividly remember my first piece—a nude figure created with layered stencils of newsprint. The excitement and satisfaction I felt during that first printing experience ignited something in me to pursue more,” describes the artist.

After completing a Foundation in Fine Art, Leila studied Drawing and Print at Bristol UWE, where she explored various printmaking techniques, including metal plate etching. “While I enjoyed aquatint and etching, my true passion remained with screen printing,” says Leila.

After University, she moved to London. Though she remained committed to her practice, the high cost of renting a studio space and using screen print facilities in the city made it difficult to continue printmaking regularly. Instead, Leila shifted her focus to drawing she could do from home, particularly working with charcoal and oil pastels.

“My creative process is a bit chaotic, but it works for me,” explains the printmaker. She always carries a notebook to jot down ideas that come throughout the day. Once she’s back at her desk, Leila reviews her notes and tries to develop a general plan for each project. She states; “The aspect of screen printing that I love most is the process itself. From taking photographs and editing them to transferring designs onto acetate and finally bringing them to life in the print studio, the entire journey is so fulfilling.”

Lino printing, while more straightforward, is equally as rewarding for the artist. Leila will sketch out designs inspired by the things that bring her joy, then hunts for well made white clothes in various sizes at local charity shops. Once she has printed the designs onto the garments, she photographs her friends wearing them and uploads the images to her website.

1960s and 70s culture are a huge source of inspiration for Leila’s artworks, from the decades’ fashion, advertisements, and films, to cars, textiles, crockery, and music. She tells us; “During university, I would rent out old editions of Vogue from these decades and use them to create colour palettes for my prints. Although those who lived during that time may claim otherwise, everything back then seemed more vibrant and colourful to me.” Italy is another constant source of inspiration, particularly Puglia and Sicily, which for Leila “feel like they are stuck in the 70s”. She comments; “The vibrant colours of the fruits and vegetables, the chic fashion, the stunning architecture, and the incredible landscapes all influence my work”.

Leila’s artistic practice is always evolving, and is shaped by trial and error. Right now, she is enjoying her journey developing her lino printing project clothing range, and is also in the early stages of planning a new screen print series focused on her favourite cocktails, drawing inspiration from 1960s drinks posters.

www.leilamead.co.uk
@leilameadprint

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