Bold graphic art is a hallmark of Leah Hewson’s work, as seen in her latest collaboration with Guinness Storehouse …
Who or what kickstarted your interest in art and how did it develop? I always gravitated towards creativity. I think growing up in a generation of no phones and internet naturally encouraged boredom, which stimulated the imagination. It was something that was gently encouraged and supported from a young age. I studied art in school, but my attention was busy elsewhere during my teenage years. I never really believed you could have a career in it, or at least it seemed so far out of reach it took me a number of years to consider. I ended up dropping out of university and did a portfolio course. Half because I loved it, half because I didn’t know what else to do.
How would you describe your signature style and how has it evolved? Upon leaving art college, I mainly created figurative works, but I realised I was making what I thought people wanted to see, not what was authentic to me. That’s when I moved into abstraction. I’ve always enjoyed working and experimenting with different materials, but painting is pure expression and where my heart lies.
My style is always evolving. I think that’s why I hit a creative block recently because I had grown, but I wasn’t sure how to convey it. I work instinctively and intuitively, so it’s important not be afraid of the white canvas.
What do you enjoy most about what you do? I love that my life and work are so intertwined. As the saying goes, if you do what you love you’ll never work a day in your life. That’s not to say that I don’t have days where there’s monotony, but I love the freedom it gives me to be spontaneous. It’s such a privilege to be an artist and it certainly hasn’t been a one woman show; there’s an enormous undercurrent of support from friends and family who’ve been there from the beginning that I’m eternally grateful for. It’s a lot to do with why I still have the energy for it.
Tell us about your work with Guinness Storehouse: This was a dream project and to be involved with its 25th anniversary made it even more special. It was as if somebody said, ‘Here’s your playground, do what you want with it!’ With that in mind, I wanted it to be fun and unexpected with high impact. It was the perfect opportunity to run with lots of neon and iridescent vinyl, integrated with my patterns and the famous Gilroy characters intertwined in them.
I was so lucky to be brought through the Guinness archives by Archive & Heritage Manager Eibhlin Colgan. I got to learn all about it and see some original bottles, labels and ad concepts from which I also drew inspiration. Being an artist is quite a solitary endeavour, so it’s fun to collaborate and it was truly a team effort. The Guinness Storehouse continuously supports both established and emerging artists, so I’m excited for visitors to see my work.
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What are you working on currently? I’ve an exhibition in Chateau La Coste in France in September. It’s been lovely reconnecting with the root of my practice, which is painting. I hit a period of apathy over the last few years, so the show is about going through the process of accepting and overcoming challenges.
Need to know: Alive In 25 is a year-long calendar of cultural events at Guinness Storehouse. @leahhewson @homeofguinness
