Art From Life
Driven by a passion and profound connection with the environment is Dorset-based artist and surface pattern designer Fiona McTaggart. Fiona's love of nature and wholesome living is seamlessly integrated into her work and flourishing career. We had the wonderful opportunity to sit down with Fiona to learn more about this talented local artist.
With a background in Fine Art, Fiona’s process is a meticulous exploration of natural forms, beginning with observational collages crafted from hand-painted paper. By working directly from life, she delves into the intricate details of form, texture, and colour.
“I work from observation, drawing with scissors. By directly cutting into the paper as I explore the subject, I believe I achieve an immediacy that reflects my emotional connection with the object and the developing narrative.”
Fiona’s approach is both methodical and heartfelt. Her artistic vision is deeply influenced by her family life and daily experiences. She draws inspiration from her surroundings, whether it's a walk through the woods, foraging nature’s gifts, or digging them up in the garden. Equally, a photograph capturing a fleeting moment, or a found object might spark her creativity, triggering memories of places and times spent with family, and from her own childhood.
Viewing the world through the dual perspectives of parent and child, Fiona's work is enriched by a sense of wonder and discovery. “Hanging out with my children at home or in the beautiful outdoors makes me think of my childhood and how I am thankful for the nurturing environment I was raised in. I want to do the same for my children – protect and nourish them, while allowing them freedom to grow and explore.’ Fiona adds, ‘Like a lot of parents, I worry about the influence of social media and mass-consumerism. I see the pleasure we get and the resilience we build from connecting with nature, and I want to maintain that balance throughout our lives.”
These everyday moments are transformed into evocative collages and subsequently digitally montaged into seamless patterns; each piece a narrative of the world as seen through Fiona's eyes. Her work invites viewers to pause and appreciate the beauty in the ordinary, to find joy in the simple act of experiencing nature. Through her work, Fiona masterfully blurs the lines between the indoors and the outdoors, inviting nature into everyday spaces. Her work is a journey of exploration and well-being. By developing her collages into immersive patterns, Fiona aims to bring calm and inspiration into people's lives, diverting attention from the daily stresses of modern living, whilst reminding us of the healing power of nature, and encouraging us to connect with the world around us.
“My creative journey has always been intertwined in the human connection with nature. I remember studying land artists as a Fine Art student in The Glasgow School of Art. Like James Turrell’s ethereal Skyspaces and Robert Morris’s reflective Mirrored Cubes, I have always had a similar intention to frame our natural environment. After years of teaching art, I have now reconnected with my own practice as a surface pattern designer, and I feel I have finally found the perfect medium to do this effectively. What makes it all the more enjoyable is that I can offer this experience in the home,’ explains Fiona, ‘however, my aspirations extend beyond the domestic sphere. I am driven to bring this experience to a wider audience, to enrich the environments of public spaces such as restaurants, hotels or centres for well-being.”
In pursuit of her artistic vision, Fiona will be exhibiting at New Designers 2024 in the ND Selects section. This event will take place at the Business Design Centre in London from 24th to 29th June. The show will mark the launch of Fiona’s new and purchasable pattern ranges: ‘Flower Power,’ ‘Into the Woods,’ and ‘The Good Life.’
As Fiona continues to explore the wonders of nature, she remains dedicated to her craft, ever inspired by the world around her. Her journey is a testament to the power of art to heal, inspire, and connect us to the beauty that surrounds us. Join Fiona on her artistic crusade and discover how the beauty of the outdoors can transform not only our spaces but also our hearts and minds.
Stay updated with Fiona's latest content by following her on Instagram @fmctaggart and visiting her new website at fionamctaggart.co.uk.
Website → fionamctaggart.co.uk
Instagram → @fmctaggart
