From her early love of fashion and textiles to collaborating with renowned brands, Grace Percival’s creative journey has been colourful, spontaneous, and filled with playful expression. With inspirations ranging from antique ceramics to bustling wine bars, her artwork captures everyday charm in a uniquely vibrant style. Here, Grace shares insights into her creative habits, her passion for vivid colours, and why coffee and tiny brushes are essential to her process.
1. Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your artistic journey?
After studying fashion and textiles I thought I wanted to work in Bridal wear, this however, was short lived.
I then went on to search for a new route but wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. I came across an advert on a job site – on reflection, a very cheesy advert – for an internship that asked, “Do you love painting? Do you love drawing?” I decided I did love both of those things so took a shot.
After interning for a couple of solid years, I became a print designer selling to multiple different brands, before going freelance and working for a bunch of studios which I still do now.
Ultimately though, I love creating my own pieces which I started fairly recently. I really like the freedom and complete control: It’s great. I found it a bit daunting at the beginning but really sometimes you just need to start.
2. What inspired you to pursue your craft? Was there a defining moment or influence that sparked your passion?
Has to be my dad, he is amazing at all things creative. He’s always been my biggest influence.
Your craft
3. How would you describe your work in three words?
Playful, vibrant and jazzy.
4. What materials or techniques do you use, and why are they important to your process?
Gouache paints, torn paper and the worlds smallest brushes.
5. Can you tell us about a favourite piece you’ve created and the story behind it?
‘Pat’s Chair’ it was the first big piece I created on canvas. The story behind it, I have a weird obsession with` chairs and leopard print so I combined the two.
Creative process
7. Do you have any unique rituals or habits that help you stay creative?
It’s always difficult to pin point the exact spark of inspiration but I tend to fill my time with these habits – looking at interiors is a real hobby (old or new)/flowers and florists take up a bit of my time/ annoying to admit but instagram is almost always quite a big muse.
8. How do you handle creative blocks? Do you have any strategies or tips for overcoming them?
Coffee, lots of it.
Challenges and successes
9. What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced as a maker, and how did you overcome it?
Comparing myself to other artists. I am still learning how to overcome this.
10. What’s been your proudest moment or achievement so far?
I have done a collection of my designs on t – shirts with Topshop, this was a huge moment.
11. What’s your favourite quote you’ve ever heard about your work? Who said it, or what was the name of the publication?
“Grace’s paintings effortlessly exude such charisma, with their painterly appearance and confident but loose line work.”
- MILIEU STUDIOS
Inspiration
12. Where do you draw inspiration from for your work? What sparks your imagination and creativity?
I’m currently obsessed with still lives. These always include ceramics, window shopping for vases is my favourite pastime. Wine bars are pretty much a constant, not necessarily for the reason you think. I like the table layouts, glasses, flowers, bottles and table cloths; they are usually ever changing too, so a constant source of inspiration, from the bottle branding to the bud vases on the tables.
13. Do you have a favourite artist, maker, movement, or tradition that has influenced your craft?
Kate Boxer, every time. Her work is unlike anyone else’s and she uses techniques I’ve never seen before.
14. How does colour influence your practice; is it an important part of your process? Do you have a particular palette or favourites? Any go-to sources for colour inspiration?
Choosing a colour palette is my favourite part, my phone is filled of screenshots. I always start with a rough sketch on my computer, then I can play around with the colours as much as I like. That way when it comes to painting I’m already confident my palette.
Perspectives and goals
16. What do you want people to feel when they experience your work?
My work is always very vibrant and playful, I like to think it brings a bit of fun to peoples homes.
17. What are you currently working on, and what excites you most about it?
I’m currently working on some large pieces that will be framed and painted in my classic colourful stripes. These are particular exciting as they incorporate lots of my favourite things; leopards, antiques and florals. They are jazzy.
Advice and reflection
18. What advice would you give to someone starting out as a maker?
Paint what you enjoy, not what you think others will like.
19. If you could go back to the start of your career, what advice would you give your younger self?
Keep slogging on, someone will buy something eventually.
Closing thoughts
20. If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?
Has to be Hockney for me. I’ve always been a massive fun of how unique his work is, he has such original ideas.
21. Where can people find your work, and how can they support you?
They can find me at: www.gracepercivaldesign.co.uk
Explore Grace’s latest collections and follow her creative journey:
Support Grace by visiting her online shop, experiencing her creations at select boutiques, and following along as she continues to bring joyful creations into the world.
