Kitty McCall – The Colors Of Memory
If there is one word that comes to mind when we see the designs from Kitty McCall, it’s COLOR! It is undeniably the trait which explodes from her art. But there is more to Kitty McCall than just color. Using her distinctive style, she ventures into geometric, tropical and floral wallpaper designs. Her bold tastes are perfect for adding drama to a small bathroom or a huge dose of fun to the bedroom. This colorful wallpaper can add excitement into any space. However, that’s only scratching the surface. We caught up with Kitty to dive deeper to discover what sparks her colorful creative style.
MK: Where were you born, raised and now residing?
KM: I was born in Dublin but I lived in Nigeria for the first seven years of my life. Since then, we’ve lived in the UK. My home is now in Folkestone.
MK: Did you have any formal education in the arts?
KM: I have a 1st class degree in textile design and specialised in print.
MK: Do you feel like where you grew up influenced your love of art?
KM: I lived in Nigeria for the first seven years of my life. And although I am not fully conscious of its influence on me, I am sure the effect of growing up in the bright tropical sunshine surrounded by the vibrant colour of flame tree, bougainvillea and hibiscus flowers cannot be underestimated. The impulse to draw has been there for as long as I can remember. I have just followed my inclination and heart through school and university, developing my talent without any idea where it was taking me but unable to consider doing anything else.
MK: At what point in your artistic evolution did you start to find your own colourful style?
KM: I’ve been creating colourful statement prints for many years now. However, it is only in the last 4 years that I feel like I’ve solidified my style. I stopped paying too much attention to trends and started creating designs for me using colours and patterns I would want to have in my home…designs that would mix with my antique and vintage furniture…designs that wouldn’t be dated to a trend in time but last.
MK: From where or whom do you find inspiration?
KM: I look for inspiration everywhere, photography, artists, nature and my imagination. When I create my prints, I often just draw how I think a flower or leaf should look from memory rather than reference.
MK: Have any thoughts about seeing your designs as wallpaper?
KM: I’ve always wanted to do wallpaper and seeing my designs printed by Milton & King has been amazing. There is nothing more engaging than colourful wallpaper. The simple addition of the Wilderness paper in my daughter’s room has instantly livened it up.
MK: Have you had any experiences with wallpaper before?
KM: I’ve never used wallpaper before so designing for wallpaper and putting it up in my home has been a real treat. I’m amazed by how easy the peel and stick was to apply! I’m a fan.
MK: What are you goals for the next 5 years?
KM: Grow my product road map into kids furniture, kids fabric, kids bedding, kids accessories, bath towels, sheets, and launch into the US.
