angie mccarthy says...

Kluster are proud to feature a series of awe-inspiring designers selling wares at the Finders Keepers Spring/Summer Markets at Sydney’s CarriageWorks this December.

Angie McCarthy has the unique gift of adding texture and a burst of colours to everything she set her hands to. Founder of the Materialistic range, Angie’s striking hand screen-printed pieces are specially designed to adorn special spaces in your home. From her vibrant, intricately designed tea towels, cushions and tablecloths to the humble ‘Scrappy’, a stuffed toy for kids, all products are made from natural fibres and eco-friendly materials. Here’s what she has to say about her creative experience and her upcoming FKSSM stall.

Covered: Not just ‘disposable design’, colour and more colour, Hills Hoist and a slight obsession with ceramics.

Audrey Lee: Tell us a little about your design background. When did you first decide to venture down the path of producer of creative wares?

Angie McCarthy: Screen printing was initially just an indulgent hobby, an escapism to long hours as a branding graphic designer. Then after years of being overworked in the graphics industry, I was hankering to create something more tactile and long standing not just ‘disposable design’ (which corporate graphics can be at times) and also something just for me.  I had so many ideas for prints and designs, scrapbooks full of potential that it seemed a waste not to try and make something of it. We spend so much of our life working, and I really didn’t want to waste it not doing something that I really loved.

I chose to screen print onto tea towels and napkins rather than paper and posters because I like the idea of ordinary things being a source of beauty or pleasure. Washing up has to be done, tea towels have to be used why not make life a little brighter by having a gorgeous tea towel hanging in your kitchen?

AL: What can visitors expect from your stall at The Finders Keepers Spring/Summer Markets this December? Is this your first Finders Keepers stall?

AM: Colour! I have been working extra hard so have a lots of new designs. The theme this summer could possibly be interpreted as a modern take on the 50s – graphic gemstones, elegant magnolias and expressive typography. All in bold eye-catching colour – my attempt to make the ordinary beautiful.

As for the stall itself, well, I have had a craft-tastic time of late making extra dressings for my stall – there’s been lots of stitching, gluing and spray painting. So watch this space for profusion of colour.

About two years ago when I was just venturing into my small business, I was lucky enough to be accepted to do a Finders Keepers Autumn/Winter market, which was great fun. Fantastic atmosphere, fabulous space and the array of talented designers and craftsman were inspiring. It’s a great launching pad for new designs – get feedback direct from customers of their favourite designs and colour ways.

AL: Is there a common theme or focus in your designs and are they influenced by your personal style?

AM: Colour – again. I try to design stuff that is upbeat, vibrant and graphic.

Amusing too, I attempt to get a smile where I can. I like stuff that isn’t just decoration – it may look fabulous but there’s also something else going on. I have a design, which at first glance is just nice pretty swirls then you look properly and it actually a funny comment on housework in typography.  

So, yes my designs are very personal – my favourite design at the moment is the ‘Hung Out To Dry’ print. It’s from a sketch I did of my parents Hills Hoist and like for so many others the Hoist is an icon. Swinging around on it above the sprinkler on sweltering days, dodging the bindis when hanging out the clothes, hitting your head on it when you went out in the backyard after dark. Ah, memories!

Despite how distinctly personal and based on my own experiences and memories my designs are, essentially we all seem to share a common history and my customers relate and enjoy different aspects of that.

AL: What can we expect from you, post Finders Keepers Sydney Markets?

AM: Generally, for my products to be in more homes brightening up their kitchens and lounges. Be in more magazines inspiring readers with colour and also inspiring people to give what they love a go.

I am also hoping to have the time for collaborations with other designers. I am slightly obsessed with ceramics at the moment so maybe there’s scope to work with ceramists or even learn a new craft.

materialistic, angie mccarthy, finders keepers, spring summer markets