Meet the Artist: Bespoke Atelier

Remembering Together: West Lothian have appointed their artist to co-create memorials with communities. Meet Bespoke Atelier (Marion Parola and Yvonne Elliott-Kellighan.

For the past 10 years, Bespoke Atelier have been blending the worlds of art and architecture, inventing unique patterns to enhance interiors, products and buildings. Founders Marion Parola and Yvonne Elliott-Kellighan’s passion for bold graphic prints and a playful curiosity of materials are the foundations of the studio. The beginning of all of their public projects stems from community consultations. Their team work with the general public, community groups, schools, care homes to cite a few and the client team to understand better their needs and aspirations. These collaborations result in tailor made artworks, conveying the mood and feeling of a place.

Marion Parola and Yvonne Elliott-Kellighan

Marion and Yvonne say: “ What an amazing opportunity to work simultaneously on a memorial project with another 31 artists across Scotland. We wanted to play our part in giving people a voice on their experience during the Covid pandemic. Using our creative skills is hopefully going to give people a cathartic experience to deal with what they have been through over the past two years.”.

“Bespoke Atelier is excited to work closely with the communities of West Lothian. We have worked previously on a number of projects in Livingston, East Calder, Linlithgow and are keen to reconnect with our existing contacts as well as make new connections. We are at first connecting with a large number of people by doing a digital engagement campaign asking people questions about their experience during the Covid pandemic. We will then move onto themed walks with small groups to hear everyone’s personal story and brainstorm on what a memorial could be. Finally we will run creative workshops in a variety of print making methods to involve communities in an artistic way. Our approach is to always provide space and support to allow individuals to share and above all, to listen.”

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