Introducing abstract artist Abbie Carnegy

Introducing abstract artist Abbie Carnegy who specialises in creating art that evokes positive emotions.

Abbie’s affinity with colour, light and texture was ignited during her childhood spent travelling in Africa, Australia, South East Asia, Europe, The Middle East, India and the USA. Her love of vibrant colours can be traced back to moments and memories, from beautiful spices piled high in the markets in Marrakesh, to the azure waters and sandy beaches of Zanzibar and to the bright white snow and crisp clear blue skies in the Swiss Alps.

Abbie spent a decade in the fashion and beauty industries which accelerated her love of colour, form and cutting edge aesthetics.

Here we chat with Abbie about her journey into the art world so far…

Can you tell us your backstory and how you got into the art world? 

I spent my childhood travelling in Africa, Australia, South East Asia, Europe, The Middle East, India and the USA and knew that a creative path was one that I would follow. I was always drawn to colours – from the vibrant colours in the markets in Marrakesh, the azure waters and sandy beaches of Zanzibar and the bright, white snow and crisp clear blue skies in the Swiss Alps, so after school I went to Newcastle College of Art to study for my Art Foundation, followed by a degree in history of art at Edinburgh University and an MA in Chinese art.

I then spent over a decade in the fashion and beauty industry working in a world full of colour, design and cutting edge aesthetics. I loved it!

Art was still a big part of my life and after I went to see the abstract expression exhibition at the Royal Academy in London, I had a bit of a sliding doors moment and knew I had to pick up my paintbrushes again.

I was lucky enough to be accepted onto a course at Chelsea College on abstract expressionism run by the former dean and Abstract Expressionist George Blacklock and I’ve never looked back.

I now have a studio close to my home and spend most days there.

How would you describe your signature style and technique? 

My style is bold and bright, abstract and expressionistic. Technique wise, I predominantly use acrylics and inks and mix a lot of paints to create my own colours. Then I blend, scrape, sponge and splat with brushes, scrapers, pens and palette knives.

In terms of style, for me, the art of abstraction implies that the viewer is not necessarily going to understand the meaning of my work – and really doesn’t have to – but what is exciting is that they are able to use their own imagination to bring a bit of themselves to each piece. That they can have their own interpretation and make it totally personal to them. I put my heart and soul into each piece and I only ever paint pieces I want on my own walls. Sometimes it’s not about having a clearly defined style, but simply about enjoying light, colour, composition and embedding your own emotions into a piece of work.

Can you tell us more about your latest work? Where did you find inspiration and what is the story behind it?

I’m working on some large commissions at the moment. They’re full of joy, light and happiness and I’m really enjoying them!

I’m also working on some smaller pieces – a collection called ‘Walking A Tightrope’.

With the pieces in the ‘Walking A Tightrope’ series I feel as though they merge so many of my influences in one body of work, embodying so much of what defines my style.

To begin with, I whittled a piece of Chinese bamboo to create a calligraphy pen and then used the bold, bright coloured inks drawn from a Matthew Williamson fashion show of the late 1990’s. I also drew inspiration from Abstract Expressionist Cy Twombly’s work of the 1950’s with the curling, fluid, repeating lines. All while listening to ‘Walking A Tightrope’ from the Greatest Showman in the car with my children!

Two very different styles, sizes and influences but both work together I think!

Are there any exhibitions or events you are planning? 

At the moment I’m finishing commissions and working on pieces so they’re ready for sale at Christmas. In addition I’m going to open up my studio for appointments so people can come and enjoy my work.

As well as my work being available in my studio and on my website, it is also for sale in some beautiful fashion boutiques, tying in with my love of fashion.

The Jax Boutique

https://thejaxboutique.com/

POM London

https://pomlondon.co.uk/

Feather & Stitch

https://www.featherandstitch.com/

What’s the best advice you’ve been given as an artist? 

Goodness so much!

To look – REALLY look – at things that interest you. Open your eyes and spend time observing.

Inspiration comes in so many forms.

Always be true to yourself.

Don’t be scared to experiment. 

Use the best quality materials you can afford

Ditto with your team. Use the best photographers, printers etc you can afford. Quality is everything.

And last but not least. Follow your gut. You can listen to advice from others, but remember it’s their opinion. This is YOUR work, YOUR business and ultimately you have to do what YOU believe is right.

For more information about Abbie’s art and commission work please visit abbiecarnegyart.com

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