Meet the Artist: Lori Anne McKague

Tell us a bit about yourself, your hobbies, your passions

After a 40-year career as a graphic designer in the advertising industry, I retired to a mountain in BC, Canada to supposedly spend a life of leisure and travel. I immediately started dreaming up ways to keep myself amused and immersed in a variety of creative passions. When the travel side of retirement kicked in, I began traversing the world on cruise ships.

Then the pandemic hit, and my travel bug got stopped in its tracks. I needed to find new ways to amuse myself creatively while confined to my mountain home. I built my own artwork inspired wardrobe for future travel and I taught myself how to create complex surface patterns and kaleidoscope designs. I have designs incorporated into an assortment of bags, shoes, hats, puzzles and much, much more. Now here I am with a new blanket design for Nakie!

Tell us about this design you made for Nakie.

The Indigo Soul kaleidoscope was created using one of my original illustrations. I have developed a technique for layering and repeating elements of my illustrations to form surface pattern designs. Nakie came across the design on my Instagram page, and approached me to potentially use it on one of their products. Of course I said yes, then proceeded to rework the kaleidoscope design into the square shape now being introduced on this new Nakie blanket.

What inspires you to create your Art?

I use drawing as a form of meditation and relaxation. When I pick up my pen I never know what the end result will be. I simply draw a basic shape, then let my brain and hand take over. My mind’s eye is essentially a kaleidoscope. I’ll go back later and add vibrant colour to my freestyle illustrations - because I simply must live in a world filled with bright and beautiful colour.

Describe your ultimate adventure.

My goodness. That is a tough question. I’ve already seen and experienced so many wonderful things in my life. I never really plan specific adventures. I just wake up every morning and wonder what the day will bring. I think I’ll wait to be surprised by whatever new adventures present themselves in the future. 

If you were stuck on a deserted island, which Nakie product would you bring?

My beautiful Indigo Soul Blanket of course!