Louise Dear is a renowned artist collected by royalty as well as Sir Elton John.
Her paintings are explosive and soon she will have created her biggest commission to date, which will be un-veiled on Buckingham Palace Road. Louise is a trailblazer in the art world and has changed the way art is viewed by women. She is a leader and very well respected by her peers as well as national media. Her website is www.LouiseDear.com and her studio is based in Brighton.
Tell us a bit about yourself, background and your current role
I
‘m a professional artist living a very happy life with my partner right on the seafront in Brighton. I’m very lucky. I have a gorgeous grown up daughter who now lives in Iceland and is my main muse. I was a single parent for many years and a struggling artist and then it was just the two of us. We are incredibly close and I consider her one of my best friends. For many years we lived in delicious Devon but now I have returned to my routes and have a large studio with gallery space in the centre of the bohemian North Laine area of the town centre.
Did you ever sit down and plan your career?
No it has simply evolved. I’m open to all ideas and possibilities. I consider myself very brave and I like a challenge. I’m just a girl who can’t say no. I very much live in the present and although I do try to plan I also do like to take opportunities as they arise.
Have you faced any challenges along the way and if so, how did you deal with them?
The main challenge as an artist is being broke! This business certainly has its peeks and troughs and it’s not for the faint hearted. I have always had incredible family support, emotional rather than financial, and a great network of friends. I suppose also an ability to adapt and live hand to mouth when necessary. And during the peeks … I party!
On a typical workday, how does you start your day and how does it end?
It starts with a swim in the sea which our apartment overlooks and ends with a glass of wine with my lover on the balcony. In between I paint.
Tell us a little bit about your role and how did that come about?
My role now is having a studio and gallery space and this has come about from years of hard work. It’s in the center of Brighton and has such a cool and vibrant feel about it. I’ve been there for two years. Before then I was in devon for 10 years with a similar set up. I loved Devon but Brighton is much more vibrant.
Have you ever had a mentor or a sponsor or anyone who has helped your career?
My partner Craig is my main support and sponsor. He has been there for me through the highs and lows with his words of wisdom and financial support where necessary. I really don’t think I would be where I am today without his incredible belief in me. I’ve also got several amazing customers who have discovered me and supported me. One couple who have become great friends come to all my previews and are always buying new work. Also Prue the owner of the DaisyGreen food group that own restaurants across London. Prue has commissioned me several times for works for the restaurants and continues to do so.
If you could change one thing for women in the workplace, what would it be?
I think we should be considered totally equal. I simply have no idea why we are not. Sure we have different abilities and qualities but these are no lesser than those of our male colleagues.
If you were to look back in five years, what would you see in terms of your achievements?
I would like to have a range of licensed products, a major London gallery looking after my career. I also want to continue developing my style and putting my stamp on the industry.
Tell us about your plans for the future?
I’m doing a huge commission of Kiss Kiss Bam Bam which is my biggest piece to date! It will be un-veiled on Buckingham Palace Road shortly. I’m also speaking to some big galleries and have a very exciting announcement to make shortly. My selfie project called #LoveYourSelfie has gone crazy! I’ve had so many sent in as well as some celebrity commissions for this and I’m loving it. Other future plans include bringing our boat to Brighton Harbour and sailing to the south of france – I can paint on the boat and it’s such a tranquil setting – I can’t wait.
