Liz Nilsson

Liz Nilsson is a Swedish born designer-maker. She has practiced in the field of art and design for the last twenty years in Sweden, the UK and Ireland.

Liz works from her beautiful studio on Kenilworth Square in Dublin.

where you get inspiration?
Influenced by my Scandinavian roots. I like simplicity and clarity. I often use geometric shapes such as circles and ovals. Handwriting is another thing that fascinates me and that  re-occurs and in my work. Hand writing is like drawing, an individual mark making. 

My background is as a textile artist and designer. I was born in Sweden. I studied fine art and textile design in Sweden and later went on to do a Masters Degree in textile fine art at Goldsmiths College in London. I have been living in Dublin since 2000, after a ten-year period in London
My work blends art, design and craft.  I like to move freely in-between these fields
I am involved in a wide variety of projects ranging from conceptual installations to design schemes. My practice involves the application of different textile based techniques, with screen-printing being the one that is constantly visible in my work

Inspiration?
Travels, Jumble sales and second hand shops. I spend a lot of time going to jumble sales during my summer holidays in Sweden. I love Scandinavian textiles and pottery/porcelain from the 50ties and 60ties.

I draw a lot of inspiration from memories that I have  got through textiles; textiles that I had around me when I grew up.

What kind of textiles you make?
Contemporary interior textiles. Colorful and uniquely vibrant and includes wall panels, room dividers, design for rugs, cushions and table linen for home and office spaces alike — designed and made to order. I always welcome customers to come and visit me in the studio. That way I can communicate and show lots of different samples, designs and materials.

I prefer to work with commissions, on both smaller and bigger scale.

I like to challenge the conventional perspectives on textiles. I have a passion for Screen-printing (I have been doing it for over 25 years now!)  It is always included in one way or the other in my work.

All my creations are designed and hand screen printed in my Dublin studio in Rathgar.

The techniques that you use?
Screen printing (I love the exact result that scrennprinting creates!), but I also like to manipulate the printed surface by stitching, folding, cutting and constructing  the fabric. - and what ever else that might suit a certain project. I like to explore new techniques.

Drawing, painting and photography is always the stating point for new work that I develop.

What overall effect you aim to achieve?
A stimulating visual experience.

Add colour, shape and form to an environment, reinforce and complete an architectural space.
With my commission textile pieces I aim to give a perceptible impact at a distance, but also to invite the viewer to discover details with a closer look.

I think it is important to use beautiful things in an everyday environment. It makes us human beings happy!  I want to add that to peoples lives with my textiles.

What kind of market you cater for?
I Work on different levels.

I started Longbord Textile Design here in Ireland in 2002. It has been aimed at the development of small runs of contemporary table linen, where I considered that there was a gap in the Irish domestic market. All my production is made by hand screen-printing on 100% linen in my Dublin studio.
I also work with commissions of one off pieces/projects for both private and corporate clients. I call this section of my work LIZ NILSSON BESPOKE. This can be   a Textile-multimedia wall pieces, Screen-printed window panel, designs for rugs or specially designed table linen as I have done for PriceWater House Coopers executive dining room.

I also try to set aside time to do more concept based artworks, where my main aim only is to satisfy myself, my own curiosity to explore an idea and new techniques. 

Are you working on a particular range of products at the moment?
A commission of multimedia textile window panels for Patrick Pearce Museum in Rathfarnham. Very inspiring project.

Plans for the future?
I will keep them to myself…