Molly Hawkins

British artist based in Bristol whose work is focused on abstraction and colour study. She has made mural paintings in different cities in the UK, mostly for independent businesses.

How would you describe your art?

I mostly work on a large scale, using colour as a tool to bring joy, positive feelings, excitement, life. The main motive of my art is based on the contrast between nature and abstract shapes.

What does inspire you?

I got inspired by places I've travelled to, the smells, colours, feelings...  I've worked on different projects in Mexico, Colombia and India and that has really helped me to keep a great source of inspiration. 

My family used to have a puppets company, so I was surrounded by them and became obsessed. I do also have a very strong connection to theatre as I studied Theatre and Performance Design and it has always influenced my art career. 

What is being a woman for you?

I feel challenged every day, in a positive way. We've got the strength to change things and that's very empowering. We need to go over different concepts that still locate us in an unequal position, getting the power from sisterhood and community, relying on each other.

What do you celebrate about being a woman?

I feel very connected to my emotions, which really helps to develop my art practice as a catharsis. 

How do you feel about being a woman in the art industry?

I can see there is a positive change. In the present time, there's a high level of awareness about having more female artists in street art. I feel very protected by my community in Bristol (UK), I always find support and that really shows that a change of mentality is possible.

I think there are still many aspects we need to overcome, we live in a completely unequal system where men tend to succeed more often and that's one of the main symptoms of the patriarchy, so now it's our turn to change this mentality and believe in our professional career.

Photos by Mercedes Polo Portillo ©