A PUPIL at Holsworthy Community College has landed herself her first official commission after a development company spotted her work online.

Keira said: “I’ve always had a passion for art and lockdown gave me more time and the opportunity to practise with different medias and to develop my skills. So, after a bit of a nudge and some encouragement, I decided to set up my own art page, to be able to showcase my work and to share my art journey, as I explored more styles and learnt new techniques.

“Through sharing more and more of my work, I started to receive some really positive comments and feedback and people began expressing an interest in purchasing some of my pieces. And all of this led to something I never could have expected…”

A company in Manchester contacted Keira to see if she would create some bespoke artwork for the new apartments they were building. Keira was thrilled and keen to get started on this new project.

She said: “I was sent a photograph of one of the first poets of Manchester and asked if I could create some modern portrait designs which would be used as wall art in a new apartment development. Not knowing who this even was, I had to do some research and I discovered that the poet was Thomas DE Quincy and he was famous for saying ‘But my way of writing is to think out loud.’

“Therefore, what else would I use to inspire my design; a portrait made entirely of the poet’s own words.”

Keira got sketching and sent her initial design in for consideration. The team loved it and commissioned nine prints to hang in their apartments.

She said: “My initial sketch was sent to the designer and developer who loved my idea and commissioned me for an original piece and nine prints to hang in their apartments. All I had to do now was take my sketch and create a professional piece of work to the developer’s specifications. Only a small task but I couldn’t wait to get started.”

She added: “This was my first official commission and it has been both challenging and a lot of fun and now I just can’t wait to see my pieces hanging in the apartments!”