Artist Interviews #4 - Ailsa Black

The inspiration behind these interviews is that I like nothing more than hearing about how other artists work, what’s influenced them, their favourite tools, and what their workspaces are like. Each artist is given a list of questions, and they get to choose how many and which questions to answer.

In this interview, I’m delighted to welcome Ailsa Black, a Scottish-based artist; for years, I’ve been admiring Ailsa’s work. I have this clock on my studio wall in the UK because it reminds me of my dog Thomasina!

Thanks again, Ailsa, for agreeing to take part.

1. Can you give us a brief introduction to yourself and your work, what your primary art form is and how long have you been creating?

I’m Ailsa Black and I’m a painter based in Dumfries and Galloway in Scotland. I originally studied illustration back in the 80’s and have been painting and drawing ever since. I much prefer working with traditional methods of art but I can adjust images digitally if needed for a specific brief.

2. Are there particular artists, movements, or cultures that have influenced your work?

I love the work of the Scottish Colourists and also love illustration generally.

3. How would you describe your artistic style and the themes that most inspire your work?

I have developed a colourful, slightly naive style of work. I like to use a lot of colour, and my paintings have definitely got more colourful over the years. I live in a rural environment by the sea and I’m surrounded by animals and wildlife. These themes are central to my work and provide me with daily inspiration.

4. Can you describe a typical day when you are working?

I try to get up about 7ish and get Inky my dog out for a walk first thing before grabbing some breakfast and settling into the studio.

I always tackle emails, orders and admin in the morning. This can often spill into the afternoon too.

In the winter, I will stop in the early afternoon to get out again before it gets dark. Then I return to the studio. In the afternoon, I focus on creative work. Planning new projects or painting.

5. Can you describe your physical workspace or studio environment and does it influence your creative process?

My studio takes up half the ground floor of our very old house.

The other half is a small self-catering apartment.

We live on the first floor, and we have a fabulous double window with sea views. The house is nestled in a tiny village facing the sea. We are only two doors from a lovely pub, which is definitely a bonus.

6. In what ways does the community or cultural environment around you shape your art?

I love village life and have many good friends in the local community. Living somewhere rural you definitely have friendships with a broader range of people which keeps you engaged with different perspectives on life.

7. What impact do you think current global or local issues have had on your recent work?

Like many other artists I recently had my work stolen and reproduced for sale on TEMU.

The emergence of these cheap marketplaces is a real threat to genuine businesses. The arrival of AI is also going to be a challenge.

However, they both in their way have highlighted the strong support there is for artists and makers who have real skills and knowledge in creating their wares.

I am hopeful this will continue to grow

8. What’s next for you, are there any new projects on the horizon?

I am working on some new jigsaw puzzle designs and also a new range of greeting cards.

To keep up to date with Ailsa’s work and to be first to hear about these new puzzles and card collection, head to her website and sign up to her mailing list.

And if you’d like to join a group of working artists for an informal monthly chat over Zoom, feel free to upgrade to the paid version of this publication

As ever,