When did you become interested in pursuing an artistic career?
I have always been interested in art and was very creative growing up.
I then decided to go and study embroidery at a more academic level after completing an embroidery degree in the Royal School of Needlework, which is just outside London.
After graduating in 2017, I moved back to Dublin and began working on a series of pieces inspired by Irish folklore, language and history.
How would you describe your artistic style?
At the moment, I try to have everything with some connection to Ireland. I have a lot of Celtic influenced pieces, such as Celtic hearts and shamrock embroidery.
All of these things mingle in my brain and then come out in stitch.
Can you talk me through your artistic process?
For me, ideas come from anywhere and everywhere. Sometimes it's flicking through social media and, other times, it’s flicking through a book on Celtic mythology and folklore.
I could also be lying in bed and an idea could come to me that way. I also get ideas from phrases I see or maybe it’s even an animal and I just kind of play around with colours and design then.
Usually, I tend to mostly work with pencil and paper and then refine things digitally on my iPad.
I try to keep things fairly flexible and I’m always open to changing things up as I come across different things.
Most of my business at the moment is actually my embroidery kits. The way I run it is I have a subscription and you get kits sent out to you every second month. I also take on commission work for wedding presents and Christening gifts.
Has there been a highlight of your small business?
My current highlight would definitely be moving into my new studio, which I’m really excited about.
Other highlights would be in college when I worked on some high-profile things such as embroidery for the Game of Thrones set.
What advice would you give to someone who is interested on making a career out of their artistic interests.
Firstly, I’d say don’t be too hard on yourself when you are starting off. You can’t expect everything to happen at once. It does take a lot of time, hard work and it won’t happen instantly.
If it is something you enjoy and love, have faith in your creative abilities and then it will come together.
For more information on Alice, her work and embroidery kits visit: www.bealice.ie.