DEBORAH IVY AITKEN

CONTACT

Ivyofspitalfields@gmail.com

ivyofspitalfields.uk

Ivyofspitalfields

DEBORAH IVY AITKEN MA

Ivy of Spitalfields is a mixed media artist who is interested in political and socioeconomic issues. In particular, privilege and hierarchy concerned with the royal family. Building Jiggery-Pokery and filling the carriage with tea towels, tote bags and bone china coffee cups, Deborah took to the streets selling her wares. "All the stock was made in Stoke-on-Trent, I was adamant that my goods were made in the UK. The designs were based on blind drawings I had made of various royal crowns. Oh... and I had been issued with a Pedlar's Certificate by the Met Police which permitted me to sell on the street."

Deborah made the Queen rug because she wanted to put it on the floor during her exhibition to see if people would walk on it. The expectation was that many would, but in fact many wouldn't, not because it was an image of the Queen but instead because it was a piece of art. White Wash consists of 77 royal commemorative cups which Deborah white washed with porcelain paint. "Image is paramount to the royal family, they need to present in order to keep the status quo. By obscuring their images I was able to draw people in so they had to look closer to see the faint images behind the paint. I hoped to draw attention to ideas around consumerism, royal image and manipulation."

"Colourful. Chaotic. Warm. Happy. "

Describe the setting of your studio Since starting my BA in Fine Art four years ago my studio has been a movable feast. I have shared a local art studio with three other women for several years where I have spent years making stained glass. Once I began studying my studio space was between my kitchen table and the Art Academy. I only went back to use the studio space when Bobby and I built Jiggery-Pokery because it afforded us the outdoor area we needed. I keep the studio away from home for my glass but I prefer to work at home where I have loads of space and all the comforts of my home - husband, dog, cat and food.

How does your studio inspire/influence your artwork? Thinking of my studio at college I recognise how privileged I have been to work closely with my fellow students and incredible tutors where I had continual inspiration. When it comes to the blind drawings these are all made while sitting at my kitchen table where I can concentrate without interruption on the image I am drawing.

Do you prefer working alone or with others? I need others in order to work out what it is I want to make or how to make it but when it comes to creating I prefer to be on my own.