We caught up with Liverpool’s favourite interior design artist, instagrammable wall mural painter and fellow Liverpool girl, Jazz Stan – to find out all about her journey as an artist and how she finds inspiration for some of the most beautiful designs that we all love getting our insta shots in front of!
Tell us a little about yourself…
I studied art foundation at winstanley which taught me SO much and when I broke out of working in black and white and moved into colour.
Went to university of Westminster In London to study fine art mixed media where I painted my first mural because I got impatient waiting in the canvas making queue.
I moved back to Liverpool 5 years ago to become an art teacher but failed the maths test for the pgce so started doing custom made illustrations on Etsy.
Where did your love of art come from?
For as long as I can remember I’ve felt the need to create, like most children I painted and loved making a mess but I could never let go of it. I’ve always loved painting but one of the first moments I remember feeling passionate about the love of art was seeing Kristin Baker’s large scale paintings in the Abstract America show in Saatchi, London and since then I wanted to make people feel how she made me feel and create environments.
As a wall artist, how do you find inspiration for each project?
It depends on what kind of project I’m working on, sometimes I take inspiration in nature, textures and food or for bolder abstract work I’m often influenced by fashion, surface pattern design, music and typography. It’s often when I’m most relaxed before bed or when I’m cooking a composition or idea will present itself.
Your designs are so distinctive, when we see a new wall painting pop up we instantly know if it’s one of yours!
How do you keep your designs so different when your style is so distinctive?
Thank you!!
To be honest it’s something I worry about as a wall artist, with briefs and themes from clients and their brand aesthetics being so different I just focus on each project being right for them rather than maintaining a distinct and recognisable look for myself so I guess the way I piece compositions together and the materials I use and the way I layer them up, a style has developed over time without me really realising.
We absolutely loved your salon painting in Dubai, could you tell us a bit about the project?
Ohhh thanks so much!!
Working with Pretty Wow, Dubai was the most amazing experience! I feel so lucky to be a part of bringing the salon to life!
They wanted to make a big impression as soon you walk in and wanted to be totally different to anything else in Dubai so as the wall artist they let me go wild and it was so much fun designing it with them. I still can’t believe it happened!
When doing LIVE painting projects (like at the @designmcr Festival), do you get nervous knowing people are watching you as a wall artist?
YES!
I used to be so afraid of people seeing me make mistakes or paint dripping but it’s a part of making so why hide it, I just have to put headphones on and lose myself in what I’m doing. With artwork it can be so isolated so it’s refreshing to get people’s reactions first hand and everyone at Use space was so kind so the nerves went away fast!
Are you working on anything exciting atm?
I’m painting quite a lot of homes at the moment which I love!
I’m currently doing some paintings in Smileworks, and with the dentist being aviation themed it’s something completely different to anything I’ve work on before which is exciting. I’m buzzing to be painting the new Plastic Freedom offices in the next couple of weeks too for a nature inspired colour fest.
We’re so excited for the launch of Avenue Nightclub in Liverpool, could you tell us a little about this project?
It’s been such a fun gig working with Avenue, with a summery California theme I feel like it’s pulled me through these stormy times! I was drawn to kitschy 70s fabrics and banana leaf wallpapers to inspire me for their aesthetic.
Sneak peak at some of the artwork…
What are your top 3 (or more) murals so far and why?
This is tough because on projects the clients have been so glorious and I’ve made friends for life and In some I’ve been in such inspiring settings but personally I love painting abstract pieces the most at the moment.
Perry’s Cakehouse – This was one of my first abstracts and I really enjoyed working with a more toned down palette and building up the textures and layers was such an interesting new challenge.
My first Baltic Market mural – I’ll always have a soft spot for this one as this cityscape included all my favourite independent businesses as well as landmarks. It was my first mural in Liverpool, I believe I wouldn’t be painting everyday if it wasn’t for David, Oli and Tim of Independent Liverpool, this job changed everything for me.
Pretty Wow, Dubai – obviously 😂
Aside from your wall murals, what other projects are you working on / have you worked on?
For the first time in a long time I’m carving out time to paint a new collection of abstract canvases, I’m really enjoying making abstract work right now it’s a lovely form of mediation and clears my head between projects even if it means getting up at 5am to have a little paint before a job.
I recently illustrated a children’s book, Scouse mouse has lost his house, with my friends Nic and Sean Ryan which is something I’ve always aspired to do and the reaction has been so wonderful!
I also worked with Disney recently designing artwork for Mickey’s 90th birthday with Creative Debuts, such a surreal pinch me experience!
What advice would you give to an aspiring wall artist?
Work really friggin hard and then work some more and a bit more after that but if it’s what you love then you can’t help it, it’s something you have to do. Try not to get bogged down if anyone will like what your doing or if you’re any good but make work because you love it and it feels great and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there.
I often say yes to things I have no clue about or haven’t done before and just figure out how to do it afterwards. Just try, it’s worth a go. I never thought I’d be doing this for a living so there’s nothing saying you can’t too. Believe in yourself and make what you want to see in the world.
What are you plans for the future?
I would love to travel more with my work but there are some exciting changes happening here soon which I can hopefully share soon so keep your eyes peeled!
Lots of lovely projects coming up over the next few months. I’m planning on exhibiting more and hoping to have a solo show in the next year and eventually I’ll get round to doing my own mural in my downstairs loo!
Check out Jazz’s website for more of her Mural and Canvas work www.jazzstan.co.uk
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