Artist Statement
My earliest memories of art were strongly connected to nature and the outdoors. Drawing in a little notepad at the harbour with my grandad or trying to learn what birds were at my local pond so I could draw them in more detail.
I used to hate being dragged for long walks in the country or seaside, but I always ended up feeling happy I did. Now as an adult I find that time with nature as so important, especially for mental health and being inspired creatively.
Working in a sketchbook is always how my ideas start, like the work of so many creatives. But I really love working digitally and working to learn new ways of working and experimenting with different software.
Artist Bio
Laura Penman studied at Glasgow School of Art graduating in 2006 with a BA HONS in Visual Communication. Since then she has work as a Graphic Designer in publishing and later in corporate design.
Following a career change in 2017 to do a PGDE in Secondary Art and Design at Moray House, Edinburgh University to become a secondary Art and Design teacher, finding work in schools was a challenge. But a role lecturing part time in the Art & Design department at Dundee and Angus college was an amazing opportunity.
Following becoming a parent and struggling through the Covid lockdown the seed of Wee Red Designs was born. Initially starting in late 2021 to design stationery with a motivational and fun message. The priority of the stationery is that it is sustainable and uses materials which are recycled, can be recycled or are biodegradable to help prevent waste. Wee Red Designs is still in the early stages but has recently been branching out to teach community family art classes.
