How do you define your work?

I really enjoy creating artwork that brings vibrancy and energy to a room. The actual process of painting, the use of colour, the fluidity of the paint, the energy that I exert and the solitary nature of my practice, is the central driving force behind my work. The neon undertones and Pollock-like splashes are a signature of my style.

For most of the year, I’m fortunate to work from my studio, in my home in Dubai. For three months of the year, I also work in my Belfast studio. I feel so lucky to be able to work between two cities I call home.

What kick-started your interest in art and who have been your muses?

I have always had a passion for art from an early age, and I only ever saw myself working in a creative career – such as interior design, teaching, curation or consultancy.

I studied art history and contemporary studies alongside Fine Art at the Glasgow School of Art, so I have been influenced by an array of different genres and artists overs the years. Abstract Expressionists from the 1950s in New York such as Pollock, De Kooning, Motherwell and Rothko have had a strong influence. The 1990’s Brit Shock art movement, led by Tracey Emin and Damien Hirst, has been instrumental too. My style is heavily influenced by my appreciation of fashion, popular culture and interiors.

You created “Pop and Toast” as a side hustle I believe …

I have been a teacher for the past ten years, and around three years ago I felt I needed to create my own paintings again, so I started Pop & Toast. These bottle paintings were inspired by the champagne lifestyle of Dubai, and my colour palette and energetic marks reflect its glamour. I love the idea that each bottle has a different meaning to every client. It’s taken working in two jobs side by side for nearly three years, but now I can say that I’ve successfully turned my side hustle into a full-time career.

What have been some of your favourite commissions?

A few months ago, I was commissioned by Vogue Williams to create a gift for her husband Spencer Matthews. It was a reworking of one of his CleanCo gin bottles – with the name ‘Clean G’ after his daughter Gigi, customised with Spencer’s favourite colours.

I also was commissioned by make-up guru Huda Kattan to create a perfume bottle for her sister who owns the brand Kayali. I am currently working with several distilleries across Ireland and Scotland, creating work for their headquarters.

I also get commissions to create my bottle art for wedding days and special occasions. I’ve also had requests to create artwork of watches, ornaments, cars and planes and I love the diversity that this brings my work.

You are now launching the Anna McKeown Collection …

When I started Pop & Toast nearly three years ago, the name grew out of the idea of popping a cork and making a toast. However, several years on, my brand has expanded into creating artwork for perfume brands, magazine covers [for Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar], iconic portraits and abstracts. I felt it was important to use my name to encapsulate my brand, so I am launching The Anna McKeown collection. This will offer all aspects of an art project from consultation to installation, especially bespoke art for residential and commercial spaces. Pop & Toast will still continue offering prints and other merchandise.

Need to know: The Anna McKeown Collection artwork can be purchased online with ready to go prints via @pop_and_toast or www,popandtoast.org. A new website will be available from mid June: www.annamckeowncollection.com.