Daisy Birch is a recent graduate of the University of Northampton, UK, specialising in Fine Art, and Fine Art Practices. Daisy's practice consists of intricate stippling pen drawings, creating shapes, tones and outlines with only dots and each of her works take multiple days to complete due to the repetitive nature of the technique, creating a delicate, realistic drawing. Whilst on a smaller scale, Daisy's drawings are mesmerising up close and work to draw the audience into the detail.
1) Which art movement do you consider most influential on your practice?
Neo-impressionism, it introduced me to the works of Georges Seurat, and pointillism, which led me to stippling and how I produce my art now. For the content itself it was initially from the Renaissance period and the medical/science journeys of Da Vinci, which I modernised by adding a tattoo-esque overall aesthetic.
2) Where do you go and when to make your best art?
Growing up I never had a desk in my room, and it wasn’t until university that I had a studio space, so I would usually and still do create most of my art from the dining room table in my house. I would get up early with my dog and we would both sit there until midafternoon, creating my drawings.
3) How do you describe your 'creative process'?
I only really draw things that I am personally invested in, like organs or occult objects that I like the look/context of. So I would fixate on one thing at a time and look at many different versions of it, text, pictures, drawings etc until I can compile what I think it is in my head. Then I will draw that outline, and then add the dots usually a section at a time, until the whole piece is complete. I may add a heavy black outline or white highlights if it’s what the piece needs but until it is finished, I can’t really tell.
4) Which artist, living or deceased, is the greatest inspiration to you?
Leonardo da Vinci, he made anatomical explorations and research become seen as works of art rather than just medical aides.
5) If you weren't an artist, what would you do?
I Would have loved to have been a paleontologist and dig up/research dinosaur bones.
6) What do you listen to for inspiration?
I just listen to my own Spotify playlists because if I’m drawing something I like, and I’m listening to something I like, I can sit and draw for hours.
7) If you could own one artwork, and money was no object, which piece would you acquire?
The Physical Impossibility of Death in the Mind of Someone Living – Damien Hirst 1991
8) If your dream museum or collection owner came calling, which would it be?
The Natural History Museum in London.
9) What is your key piece of advice for artists embarking on a fine art or creative degree today?
Don’t go to university with a set style & be dead-set on keeping it the same for 3 years. It’s the best time as an artist to experiment with new medias, be open to trying new things.
10) What is your favorite book of all time (fiction or non fiction)?
The Lord of The Rings. J. R. R. Tolkien
11) If you could hang or place your artwork in one non traditional art setting, where would that be?
The Whitby Abbey Ruins in Whitby.
12) What was the biggest lesson your university course or time studying taught you?
That you’re not going to like every single artist or art style so focus on the ones you like instead of the ones you think you should like. There’s nothing wrong with not following the crowd just because a certain artist has a certain award, or a movement has many dedicated followers. Just be your authentic art self.
13) And finally, if we were to fast forward 10 years, where would we find you?
Still drawing, hopefully with my dog and a new kitchen table.
Learn more about Daisy and discover her collection of artworks.
