Lou Hart is a London-based linocut printmaker creating unique pieces and attire, many of which showcase the adventures of their character ‘The Sad Clown’. Mostly self-taught as a printmaker, Lou comes from a creative family of illustrators, painters, and filmmakers, which undoubtedly influenced their passions. Their printed goods are rich in character and embedded in history, printed using tools that were their Grandmother’s in the 60s.
Their family history also influences their imagery, which is inspired by the the art that fills their grandparent’s and parent’s homes. Vintage ceramics, William Morris wallpapers, and antiquities amalgamate in their designs. The work of other creatives also inspires Lou’s work, reflecting a particular fondness of illustrators such as Jim Kay and Barbra Mary Campbell.
‘The Sad Clown’ has become synonymous with Lou’s work as an artist. Lou describes the character as “an ever changing self portrait”. They state; “Sometimes it’s me, sometimes it’s representing a more whimsical way of being. I don’t remember what the inspiration was beyond my own mental health struggles.”
Lou’s creation process varies by piece, with the consistencies being the drawing onto lino, carving, and printing processes. One-off collages are produced for every t-shirt they make, and are fully improvised in the moment. “It’d just be boring to do the same one twice,” comments the printmaker.
Collaboration is also one of the greatest joys for Lou, and they have collaborated on various projects and brands. One of Lou’s standout projects was a collection of merch art they produced for Irish Singer, Reylta. The designs feature a witch’s cabinet of different references to her music and Irish heritage. Currently, Lou is collaborating with Kate Grimes, a talented bookbinder, to print fabrics to bind books with.
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