FIONA GRADY / REVIEW PREVIEW NO.4
Having left her job at a leading west end gallery to pursue her artistic practice full time, 2018 was definitely a big year for Fiona. It's paid dividends too, with some fantastic exhibitions, printmaking projects and commissions added to her portfolio last year, and even more in the pipeline for 2019. She's one of the most proactive artists we know, and we're delighted that she still finds the time to fly the flag for our little old print gallery... Over to you Fiona.
Fiona installs her window art at Heal's, for the Haru 'Designs That Stick' project
REVIEW // 2018
“2018 was a very memorable year for me… At the start of the year, I left my long term job to focus on my art practice full time. It's been a real boost to my career as it's enabled me to dedicate time to working on more challenging projects, and have a better art / work / life balance. In terms of exhibitions I was really pleased to have solo exhibitions at Chapter Gallery, Cardiff, creating three vinyl window interventions for their Art in the Bar space – one of which is still on display as a semi-permanent commission.” 
Fiona's 'Kaleidoscope' installation at Broadgate London (photo by Dean Brannagan)
“I completed a major commission, Kaleidoscope, for Broadgate London (British Land; curated by Rosie Glenn), which included a vinyl window installation on the ground floor of Exchange House, Liverpool Street.The motif for the installation was inspired by my Look Up print Sun Burst, which was on on show as part of the exhibition across reception spaces in the building. Fellow Look Up artist Rob Lowe – AKA Supermundane – also worked with Broadgate last year, creating some really vibrant floor vinyls (for the Sense of Space project).”
Supermundane's graphic floor for 'Sense of Space', Exchange Square, Broadgate London
“Another highlight was to exhibit in the Dialogues group show at Flowers Gallery, where my screenprints were shown alongside three amazing artists that have influenced and inspired my work: Tess Jaray, Bridget Riley and Carol Robertson. I also had some international adventures travelling to Japan in search of inspiration and a residency at PADA Studios in Barreiro, Lisbon. It was great to work abroad, meet new artists and explore the thriving art scene in Portugal.”
Exterior mural from Fiona's PADA Studios residency in Portugal
“I also developed a curatorial project, Recreational Grounds, in collaboration with the artists Tim Ralston and Scott Miles, which has allowed us to invite artists to create site-responsive artworks in a disused car park in Elephant and Castle. It's been so inspiring to see all the creative responses we've had, including pillars wrapped in plastic by Patrick Mifsud, discarded objects from Nicky Hirst, and Julie Hill's small galaxies.”
'Refuse' by Nicky Hirst for Recreational Grounds, summer 2018
PREVIEW // 2019
“It's been an exciting start to the year already, I began by exhibiting a series of new screenprints with Flowers Gallery at the London Art Fair and creating a new commission for the windows of Heal's Tottenham Court Road shop in collaboration with Haru tape.” 
Fiona and her Haru tape creation at Heal's in London
“I recently returned from Brighton where I created my largest window commission to date, for the gallery at the University of Brighton. The installation, Spectra Waves, took five days with the help of two students – Elijah and Hannah – as well as a scaffolding tower and a lot of coloured vinyl. The artwork will be on display until 12th May; I'm hoping for a sunny spring to showcase the work at it's best! I'm also running a workshop on Light and Space on Saturday 27th April (2–5, more info here).”
Fiona's largest window commission to date, at Brighton University
“I’m pleased to have donated an artwork for the Drawing Biennial at the Drawing Room gallery which helps raise money for their programme - there are some beautiful pieces so it's always worth checking out to see if you can find a bargain.”
Fiona's window for the Haru 'Designs That Stick' project at Heal's (photo by Yasuyo Smith)
“I'm currently working away on a couple of new commissions, and I'm excited about a solo show I have coming up in France... Later in the year I'm hoping to travel more, to do some research in different cities. The architectural landscape is an important influence on my work, so it's good to discover new places.”
Fiona installing her 'Kaleidoscope' project at Broadgate London (photo by Dean Brannagan)
“In terms of printmaking, I'm planning to get back in the studio asap. I've been introducing some new motifs into my work so I'm keen to explore them further. When you work with geometric forms you have to find different ways of creating movement and interaction between the shapes, the unconscious balance is harder to find than it looks. I'm really enjoying my practice so I'm hoping to keep on a similar line to continue investigating new mediums and working on ambitious projects."
Checking out her 'Sun Burst' edition for Look Up
"I'm looking forward to continuing to work with Look Up later in the year. I've been thinking about how to expand on my current prints in the collection whilst exploring new ideas and possibly a green colour palette... watch this space!”
Fiona's 'Sun Burst' window and print, created for Look Up's 'Spectrum' exhibition at Buhler and Co, summer 2018 (photo by Dean Brannagan)
We're definitely watching that space, and we're excited to see what Fiona conjures up next. Keep an eye on her Instagram profile – and the Look Up Instagram too – for regular updates and news on Fiona and her work. Up next in our Review/Preview series – Mark McClure. Stay tuned...
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Fiona Grady on Instagram
See our collection of exclusive Fiona Grady prints here
Our feature on Fiona's Walthamstow Wetlands project