Our fascination with Deborah Bowness has only grown since last month’s faux library post.  Trained in Leeds, and later in London at The Royal College of Art, Bowness has been designing and hand-printing wallpaper for over 8 years. Her unique style of trompe l’oel has donned trendy locals such as the New York Soho House and Phillip Stark’s Yoo-Aldelgade in Copenhagen. Combining an artistically forward eye with experimental styles and luxurious materials, Bowness breaks traditional barriers, creating functional works of art that are a true breath of fresh air.  Reinterpreting the world with a photographic lens and 2D palette, her collections are as playful as they are sophisticated. Check out our Q+A for a glimpse into her daily routine.

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PP: What websites do you generally start your day with-do you have a daily routine for news/blog/information consumption?

DB: I do not surf regularly.  I prefer books magazines and newspapers.

PP: How did you discover your talent and how has it evolved over your career?

DB: I focused on my creativity during my studies 3 years in Leeds, followed by a masters at the RCA London.  There is nothing like DOing it everyday to discover what you’re about.

PP: Do you discuss your work with other designers?  If so, how does that impact your creation process?

DB: I discuss my work with those (who) put it in its space or place.  The work becomes more real as it has it’s purpose.

PP:  Where do you usually work on your patterns and what is your preferred method of creation + execution?

DB: I have been working from home for the past year mainly with collage in sketch books.

PP:  When is the last time you took a professional/creative risk?

DB: I am currently taking a professional risk which I can not tell you about until its done.  I always try to take  creative ones- its not creative if it’s not a risk!

PP: Do you incorporate commercial trends into your work and if so, is this a factor that drives your design?

DB: I try to follow my own path.  I don’t find it healthy for my work to be involved with trends or the commercial (aspect).  Trends are ephemeral.