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Q&A with Elmer Artist Kitty McCall

Wild in Art worked with graphic print designer Kitty McCall to paint a 1.1 metre tall Elmer sculpture with her signature florals and foliage.

Kitty McCall’s style is instantly recognisable, playing with colour and overlaid patterns and shapes. Her work spans across fabrics, cards, prints, tote bags, furniture and now a 1.1 metre tall Elmer sculpture. We’re pleased to introduce Kitty McCall and her David Hockney inspired Elmer.

Tell us about yourself, where you’re based and what you do.

My name is Catherine Nice, also known as Kitty McCall I’m a print designer based in Folkestone, I create colourful, bold and joyful prints for the home and life.

What first got you into visual arts?

Art was always my favourite subject at school so much so I dropped both French and History to pursue only art + design related subjects, University is where I really found my passion for printed textile design.

What is your creative process from inception to creation?

I’m always looking for new ideas and inspiration, whenever I find an interesting colour palette or image I pin it to my mood board. My style is varied and very colour driven. I’m currently obsessed with landscapes and botanical plant imagery, I love working in all mediums but acrylic and ink are what I use most often to create my artwork.

How would you describe your artistic style?

Graphic, modern and colourful,

How does the place/city you live influence your image making?

I am based in the Creative Quarter, which is in the heart of Folkestone old town, it is home to a thriving collection of artists studios and creative businesses not only am I inspired by other creative people but also by my customers who come in and chat about my work – customers often spark a new idea or way of approaching a design.

Which Elmer did you design and what’s the concept?

My Elmer is called ‘Hockney’, inspired by the paintings of artist David Hockney. ‘Hockney’ is a joyful elephant! Inspired by the colourful paintings of artist David Hockney, the stylised flowers and shapes come from my imagination and observation of patterns found in nature. ‘Hockney’ proudly stands out from the crowd, like Elmer, I say it’s ok to be different.

‘Hockney’ by Kitty McCall.

‘Hockney’ by Kitty McCall.

‘Hockney’ by Kitty McCall.

What’s your earliest memory of Elmer?

In Primary school we had a clay project and we were making elephant sculptures, I remember not wanting my elephant to be grey so I painted it like Elmer…My Mum still has it somewhere, a little dog-eared but Elmer nonetheless.

What project are you working on now?

I am currently finishing my ss18 collection.

What is the number one piece of advice you would like to tell new artists?

Stay true to yourself, it’s very easy to be a magpie and follow what’s poplar but it’s far better to be unique and authentic.

Elmer's Big Art Parades

Elmer's Big Art Parades