Artist Lucinda Crimson has very particular views on pattern: blank space makes her uneasy, paisley and tartan are dreadful and purple next to turquoise or red is right out. “I like to bring together everything I love to create harmonious little worlds.”
Crimson’s current work focuses on objects – often sourced from her collection of mid-century items that has been steadily growing since her teenage years – and placing them in their perfect environments. Crimson sees these works as portraits and treats her subjects with the same care and eye for detail that she would a human sitter.
Using decades of experience in fabric design, she enfolds her objects within stretches of gingham, florals and stripes. She matches their characters, their bold colours and curves with brightly hued wallpaper of her own design. The result is a work that radiates life, each aspect intertwined and meticulously planned to accentuate the other parts of the composition.
“I hope the viewer will feel that they’re in a harmonious environment, where the colours and patterns work together to complement objects that might be old, rusty or broken to create a little bit of perfect happiness.”
Above: Lucinda Crimson, Apple Jug and Spot Tumbler, 2023. Oil, enamel and acrylic on wood panel, 40 x 30cm. Courtesy: the artist.
Lucinda Crimson, Pink Bowl on Walala, 2023. Oil and enamel on wood panel, 30 x 30cm. Courtesy: the artist.
Lucinda Crimson, Blue Kettle on Poppies, 2022. Oil and enamel on wood panel, 40 x 30cm. Courtesy: the artist.