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Sep 10

Meet the Maker - Koko Designs

In this month’s Meet the Maker, we travel to the serene countryside of County Donegal to meet Karen, the creative force behind Koko Designs. Inspired by the rich natural beauty surrounding her, Karen handcrafts stunning silk-painted lampshades, each of which reflects the vibrant flora and fauna of the region.


With a passion for this ancient art that started 30 years ago, Karen now shares her expertise through intimate workshops in her studio, along with educational sessions in schools and the wider community. Join us as we chat to Karen to find out about her artistic journey and discover how her lampshades serve as stunning canvases for her unique designs.



Hi there Karen!

 

How are you today and what’s on your workbench?

I am well after a really busy weekend in the garden. On my workbench today is a very large frame stretched with silk where I have been working on several silk paintings for lampshade commissions.

 

How do you start the design process and where do you get your design inspiration?

If it is a commission, I normally have a lengthy chat with the customer about where the shade is going, colours, size, function and we go through a book of previous designs and tweak them to the customers taste. All my designs are inspired by flora and fauna or landscapes. I live in a beautiful part of rural Ireland on the Wild Atlantic Way, and I paint what is on my doorstep.

 

If it’s a shade for a collection, I have a series of designs which are always percolating in the back of my mind (too many to have ever have time to make!). When I get the time I sketch and paint the silk, make shades in whatever shape and size I think suits the design and normally select one of the trusted galleries which stock my work to test the market. If people like it, I add it to my own portfolio. 



How would you describe your style?    

Bold and colourful, inspired by art deco and the arts and craft movement.

 

It’s clear you have a natural talent for silk painting. How did learning your craft come about?

I am self-taught and I started silk painting around 30 years ago when I was teaching crafts in a day centre in Edinburgh, Scotland - I loved it and how accessible it was. I still teach it today.

 

When did you start making lampshades?      

I made my first lampshade around 14 years ago as an exhibition piece. I wanted a way to make my silk painting more functional.



What’s your favourite part of the lampshade making process?      

I love the painting but I also love rolling the shade along the lampshade rings.

 

In your online shop what’s your most popular selling shade?      

The large floor lampshades are the most popular as I think they are hard to find elsewhere and I can adapt them as they are made to order.

 

What’s the mix of shades you make to sell online versus lampshade commissions, as part of your business?      

About 40% of my sales are online compared to 60% commissions as I work with interior architects and designers.



We couldn’t help noticing that you use table lamps and floor lamps for your designs. What you feel these styles of lampshade offer you in terms of your designs?    

I don't work in repeating patterns but treat the whole lampshade panel as my canvas and the floor lamps and table lamps allow a large area and height  for the paintings. Also I love how they can add a bit of a wow factor to any dull corner.


What other products might we find on your website?      

You will find framed wall art pieces and sometimes gift items. I change what I make all the time. I have a zero waste policy in my studio so all my bits eventually are made into something.

 

Can you tell us more about the creative workshops that you offer?

I teach in community settings and undertake artist in residence positions in primary schools. I also invite people to come into my studio which is in the garden of my family home. I cook for them, they spend time in my garden, meet my family including pets it’s a very special experience. I teach them the basics of silk painting and designing lampshades. At the end of their time with me they take home a silk lampshade they have designed and painted.



I only hold about 6 studio workshops a year as they are very intensive for me as a facilitator and I have to clean and tidy my workshop each time! I like a messy studio, I think it helps me be more creative.


Any tips for new lampshade makers in business?

Do your own thing, do what you love, don’t look at trends, colour forecasts etc. You will make your own trends.

 

When are you at your most productive? 

Early mornings

 

And your favourite sustenance when you’re working?

Black coffee and scones

 

Could you let us take a peek at your workspace?


Where would you like to be in 10 years time?    

I am hoping all my children will be away at Uni and my hubby (who is also an artist) and I will do up a small van, travel, create and run workshops.    

 

What have you learned that’s been invaluable to your creative process?    

I am self taught and have had to fight imposter syndrome but at the end of the day I think of things, I make things and people buy them. There can be no greater endorsement than someone spending their hard earned cash on something you have made.



Any new products or plans for your business that you’d like to share?    

I am currently working on mixed textile shaped shades for an exhibition but so far the learning curve is steep!




Shop Karen's beautifully unique silk painted lampshades on her website, or learn skills in person at a silk painting and lampshade making workshop in Karen's studio, in stunning County Donegal.


Facebook: @kokodesigns.ie




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