Homegirl London pays homage to Kiran Ravilious. Kiran uses traditional lino print making techniques to produce vibrant and unique hand printed designs on natural linen products. Her style largely consists of naïve botanical prints which she makes into cushion covers, bags, lampshades, tea towels and wallpaper. Each design is hand-carved and printed by Kiran in her studio in Leicester, England. Since setting up her business in December 2012 Kiran has been busy making her Tropical Forest collection which is inspired by tropical jungles and the flora and fauna of England. I caught up with Kiran to find out more …
Q: Tell me about your design background.
A: I studied Visual Arts in Singapore. After graduating from university, I worked as a graphic designer in Singapore and then moved to the UK to work in the same industry. Painting and printmaking has always been something I’ve been very interested in so I started hand printing my lino designs on fabric three years ago and it has slowly grown. Earlier this year, I produced a range of wallpapers and fabrics based on my original lino print designs.
Q: Why set up your business?
A: I really didn’t want to spend all my life working in front of a computer. I like the freedom of running my own business – both creatively and in terms of the amount of time I put into it.
Kiran Ravilious Cushion
Q: Where are you based and why?
A: I’m based in Leicester. I am influenced by where I live. It’s a vibrant and friendly place and we live just on the edge of the city, close to a beautiful park. I have a little studio at the bottom of my garden, right next to our apple tree and beside our ash tree – It’s the small things that inspire me.
Kiran Ravilious Lampshade
Q: How many people work at your company?
A: Just me.
Q: Describe your design style.
A: My design style is naïve botanical prints.
Kiran Ravilious Wallpaper
Q: Where do you draw your creative inspiration from?
A: From small things like weeds to simple things like an oak leaf floating in a river to more tropical things like the plants I love from Singapore.
Kiran Ravilious Tea Towels
Q: Tell me about your collection.
A: My current collection is called the Tropical Forest collection which is inspired by tropical jungles and also the flora and fauna of England.
Kiran Ravilious Fabric
Q: What’s your fascination with nature?
A: My fascination with nature is definitely inspired by my upbringing in Singapore. I used to spend time taking photos at the Botanical Gardens in the burning hot sun. It was particularly nice when I had the place all to myself. Coming to England was a big change – seeing lots of different species of plants was really interesting and fascinating so I like combining both in my work.
Kiran Ravilious Cushions
Q: Which designer / artist do you admire and why?
A: I’d say Peggy Angus. I love the handmade nature of her work.
Kiran Ravilious Lampshade
Q: What’s the best thing about owning your own business?
A: It allows me to be as creative as I’d like to be or not be. It’s all in my hands. How much I want it and whether or not I want to succeed is all up to me.
Kiran Ravilious Wallpaper
Q: What one piece of advice would you pass on to someone wanting to set up their own business?
A: This quote I read recently sums it up for me – “It’s impossible,” said pride. “It’s risky,” said experience. “It’s pointless,” said reason. “Give it a try” whispered the heart.”
Q: What’s coming up for the rest of 2013?
A: If things go well, I’m planning some new products and a new collection. I’m also exhibiting at MADE London in October (25th-27th) which I’m really excited about!
Prices start from £30. You can buy Kiran’s products from www.kiranravilious.com. Credits: text by Homegirl London, images courtesy of Kiran Ravilious, special thanks to Kiran.
