“A simple example would be to create a Dublin version of the Boxpark concept in London” – JILL & GILL Illustrator and printmaker
Your creative highlight of 2018?
We wanted to set ourselves a brand new challenge for 2018. When we did our very first solo show in 2017, we wanted to showcase our skillsets as a duo, we set no expectations but to deliver an understanding of what Jill and Gill are as a creative duo. We achieved just that, so for 2018 we needed to push ourselves and challenge ourselves more.
We knew we wanted to print large scale, curate and hang the work in an installation setting, but where to hang the work was our problem.
Then out of the blue, we received an Instagram message from John Redmond, Brown Thomas Creative Director and before we knew it, we had agreed to be one of five artists set to showcase a window and exhibition under Art and Style for six weeks between March and April.
Suddenly our big pieces had home – the windows of Brown Thomas on Grafton Street. Officially our creative highlight.
Your personal creative goal for 2019?
Once again, we want to further our skillsets, it’s the one thing we try and achieve every year if possible! For 2019, we have plans to collaborate with multiple creative individuals from different industries. We also have plans to grow our apparel collection, continue our sustainable and exclusive approach but also grow the brand outside Ireland.
You get to redesign or re-imagine Dublin in one way, what would you do?
More creative spaces for designers, musicians, writers, etc. A collaborative hub where global brands and local brands can find a synergy, both working off each other. A simple example would be to create a Dublin version of the Boxpark concept in London, where businesses, brands, galleries, artists, startups, food, and drink brands can all fuse together, showcasing the best of Irish culture.
No city can survive without a creative scene, but every month more and more of us are being pushed out. Future development within the city needs to be inclusive of creatives, without them Dublin will lose its charm, its tourism, its culture. Permanent creative spaces are a necessity not just pop up spaces.
How would you describe the Dublin of your dreams, in 18 words or less?
Inclusive, contemporary and traditional.
Three of your local creative heroes, people who people need to know about
Roisin Lafferty of Kingston Lafferty design creates some of the most visually stunning spaces here in Dublin and in London. New kids on the block Pearl Reddington and Alannah Clegg of Four Threads. There is something to be said for considered design and these ladies have it.
They are driving contemporary Irish design forward, show them some love x
Words: Richard Seabrooke
