John Powell-Jones

Illustrator John Powell-Jones has an obsession with texture, mark making and colour that makes his work very appealing to us here at Covet.
Using mono printing, screen printing, risograph printing, paint and clay, with many multiple layers, John's work is complex, playful, intricate and beautiful. 

"Wish you were here"

Your illustration has a focus on different print techniques. What is it about this process that appeals to you?

Traditional print gives an error margin the digital doesn’t, I like the fact the each process can inform the result of the image. 

Learning a new process and thinking how this can effect my process is something that really excites me. 

untitled piece

Is there a technique/process that you haven't worked with yet? If so, what is it, and why haven't you yet?

There’s a lot of processes that I haven’t done much of, I’ve only ever done a very small amount of etching, it’s something that I’d love to do more of.

John's latest exhibition "Abyss" in February at Islington Mill showed a lot of his characters which have moved into the 3D realm.

Your illustrations have also been mainly 2D, what made you start clay work?

The first piece was for an exhibition I was in alongside Barry Steadmund and Alex Humphreys, I wanted to try something I’d never done before. Seeing you’re work in a totally different dimension is really interesting, it makes you think about it differently, gives it a different life. 

What is the best part of being immersed in a community of artists and makers?

Collaboration and inspiration.

Who are some of your favourite artists and makers?

George Condo, Philip Guston, Gary Panter, Steve Hockett, Aliyah Hussain, Corita Kent, lots but they’re a continual source of inspiration. 

"Saint Mike"

You can see more of John's work on his website. Also, some of John's beautiful, one off figurines are available through the Covet website.

John is based at Islington Mill in Salford and his exhibition "Into The Abyss" opens tonight at 38b in London

Aliyah Hussain

Continuing our (slightly drawn out!) series where you get to know our featured designers and makers a bit better!

This time is artist extraordinaire, Aliyah Hussain. An illustrator, painter, costume maker, flag maker and performance artist.  

What materials or processes are you interested in exploring next?

I’m really interested in working with wood. I’ve used it quite a lot in other projects but only really in one particular way and as more of a structural tool. But as I’m working with it, I’m discovering more and more properties to the material that I really like. Recently I’ve been starting to use it in a sculptural way, I got an awesome Japanese Ryoba saw for my birthday and it’s totally changed the way I work. Now I want more tools and bigger pieces of wood to work with.

What is the best part of being immersed in a community of artists and makers?

Sharing ideas, materials, processes, equipment and food.

Who are some of your favourite artists and makers?

My newest favourites are these guys -

Jonathan Baldock

Anne Harild

Tauba Auerback

Chyrum Lambert

What are you currently working on?

At the moment I’m in research mode, trying different things, experimenting with materials and figuring out ideas for a new body of work. It’s really nice to be working in the studio without the pressure of exhibitions or projects. Alongside this I’m working on a new range for Covet, which will be a series of hand embroidered pieces inspired by mathematical symbols and systems.

You can see more of Aliyah's work on her website, and also visit her pieces especially for Covet here.
Aliyah is based at Islington Mill in Salford.