Matisse, Bridget Riley, Constable. "These are artists whose work I studied and admired growing up," she reflects. "I have learnt about these artists at school, college, university and travelled across the country and even abroad to see their work and admire their exhibitions. To be included in the same space feels like a full-circle moment."
The Ipswich illustrator has just opened her biggest exhibition to date at Christchurch Mansion, where her vibrant paintings take centre stage in Colour, Shape, Pattern – a show featuring works by some of the world's most celebrated artists.
As the lead local artist in the exhibition, Lily's journey from uncertain teenager to professional illustrator embodies the creative spirit that's quietly flourishing across our town.
A different way of seeing
"I've always known that I see the world a little differently – through colour, texture, and shape," Lily explains. Growing up, she found herself drawn to "the simple things, and finding joy in nature," influences she credits to her grandparents, Barry and Christine, alongside her "very creative mum, Kelly."
But like many young people, Lily initially felt pressure to pursue a more traditional career path. She began studying art at Suffolk One alongside science and maths, with architecture or medicine in her sights. "An academic route felt safer," she admits.
Everything changed when her A-level fine art teacher, Steve, encouraged her to apply for art at university. "I applied for art at university and sacked off the science and maths A-levels!" she laughs.
Building something true
After graduating with a first-class degree in illustration, Lily spent nearly five years building her freelance practice. Her studio, Uwu Studio, takes its name from the Kwale word for "colourful" – her family's native tongue.
"Uwu Studio was born out of a desire to build something that felt completely true to me, visually joyful, culturally rooted, and emotionally rich," she says. "I wanted my studio to reflect not just my aesthetic but also my values: inclusivity, storytelling, and the power of colour to uplift."
Her client list reads like a who's who of British institutions: BBC, Premier League, Uniball, and Amnesty International. But it's her community work that perhaps best captures her ethos – from murals around Ipswich to homeware that brings joy to everyday spaces.
From Lagos to gallery walls
Lily was invited by the mansion's curator, Emma, to create four large paintings for the exhibition, alongside selling homeware and gifts in the museum shop and displaying drawings, prints and sketchbooks from her travels.
Her centrepiece contribution, "Weaver birds, from Lagos to Ipswich," emerged from a transformative 35-day solo trip to Nigeria – the longest she'd ever been away from home.
"I fell in love with the textures, the colours, and especially the colour green. Green is everywhere in Nigeria! From the landscapes to the money, to the flag. It's the colour of life," she recalls.
The weaver birds themselves became a powerful symbol. "These small, bright yellow birds I saw everywhere, working tirelessly in the heat to create the most incredible, intricate nests. Watching them reminded me of the resilience of my Nigerian family, the creativity, the endurance, the strength."
Despite the personal challenges of the trip, Lily chose to focus on beauty. "I decided to focus on everything that was beautiful, moving, and rich, mainly because there was so, so much."
Finding her place among the masters
For Lily, being displayed alongside artists she's long admired carries deep personal significance. "It is amazing to have my large paintings feature alongside some of the world's best artists," she says. "It's a reminder that my voice, my story, and my style belong in these spaces too."
She sees her inclusion as part of a broader cultural shift. "It's also a beautiful sign of how the art world is slowly becoming more inclusive, making room for new narratives and perspectives. For this, I truly admire the mansion for allowing me to be part of this space, as a local young contemporary artist. I am so grateful and still overwhelmed with joy."
Breaking down barriers
Lily hopes her presence in the exhibition will encourage new audiences to engage with art. Her advice to gallery newcomers is refreshingly straightforward: "Galleries can feel intimidating at first, but they really shouldn't be. They're just spaces to explore ideas, emotions, and creativity, and your experience is valid, no matter what your background is."
"Go with curiosity, not pressure. Let your eyes wander. Stand in front of a piece and ask yourself how it makes you feel. There's no right or wrong."
Looking ahead
While enjoying the success of her mansion debut, Lily is already looking to the future. She's planning to spend more time developing personal work, particularly painting and experimental printmaking, and has her eye on potential residencies exploring projection art and installation.
More travel to West Africa is also on the horizon, connecting with traditional print methods to further inform her creativity. "You can never stop learning and growing," she reflects.
Her advice to aspiring artists is characteristically bold: "Just do it! Try not to think, or worry about it, just do it! Create the artwork, ask the question. I have had to spend the last few years very brazenly acting confident. Because if I did not believe in myself, then no one else would."
The bottom line
Lily's story demonstrates that sometimes the biggest risks yield the most rewarding outcomes. By trusting her artistic vision and staying true to her cultural heritage, she's created a practice that not only sustains her professionally but also contributes meaningfully to our town's cultural landscape.
As she puts it: "Everything you want... is on the other side of cringe... be you, do you and you will be rewarded."
Want to see Lily's work? Colour, Shape, Pattern runs at Christchurch Mansion until 22nd February 2026.
It's open Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday (10:00–17:00) and Sunday (11:00–17:00). Admission is £5 for adults and £2 for children.
