Natalie Perkins

Paul McClintock interviewed me over here, and now it’s my turn to interview Kate O’Brien, the first in two interviews with Red Bubble artists.

I got to know Kate in the lead up to my wedding, as I had head hunted her to be our wedding photographer. I had adored her images for ages but felt nervous about asking her to step into the fairly mainstream (and often boring) sphere of wedding photography. Luckily she wanted to do it because our wedding was going to be pretty unusual, and in the process I gained a great friend. I’ve had the opportunity to model for Kate too, just in case you hadn’t noticed ;)

How does being a creative person and pursuing your creativity affect other aspects of your life?

Badly.

I literally put everything I have into my work and my mind is always on the next shoot I’m planning. It’s all I ever want to talk about.

When I’m buying clothes, they’re for a shoot not for me and when I’m grocery shopping, I’m cutting corners so I can keep doing what I love.

Some people call it passion, but I think I’ve crossed the line into obsession!

Tell us about one person or moment that has made your time on redbubble particularly special or meaningful

The moment I won the first Red Bubble comp in my section was a great feeling because I never win anything and I know everyone says that, but really, I never do.

The fallout was interesting, but it’s so long ago now that it’s really just a bit of a laugh.

Bonus question:
Where do you draw your inspiration from?

Art History and alternative subcultures. My work seems to fork into two different areas, crazy zany bright stuff which are crowd pleasers and the dark, vintagey work which is where my passion really lies. I enjoy costume and theatre so I draw a lot from those areas.