The teenager making strides in the art world

“Representation is a really important theme in my work, as I enjoy creating art that reflects the faces that aren’t featured enough in the arts,” says Abbi Bayliss, a digital illustrator and visual artist.

“My work centres on women of colour that I’m uplifted by, either in my immediate community, such as family and friends, or the greater global one; such as positive role models. I pull inspiration from women in all creative fields from poetry, theatre, literature, music and visual arts.”

The artist, who lives in St George, has exhibited in Bristol and beyond, produced a children’s book, been commissioned for the BBC, runs a blog and is a the Visual Arts South West’s steering group – and she’s just 19-years-old.

Abbi creates her art digitally, using an iPad to draw hundreds of small lines to build up and create the contours of a face, contrasting light and dark in her monochrome pieces.

“For me it’s always important to make art not feel like work, so I never lose my passion for it,” says Abbi on keeping her artistic juices flowing. “It’s the little things that sustain me: relaxing playlists when doing research, fruit bowls next to me during Zoom meetings, my favourite films on in the background when doing commission work.

“I also ensure my passion and ideas are always well fed with gallery visits and projects in my local community.”

Abbi Bayliss, who lives in St George, is just 19-years-old. Image: Abbi Bayliss

The teenager’s regional exhibition tour of her Black Portraits Project was exhibited at The Station and Exeter Phoenix in early 2020 and she has previously exhibited at Spike Island, Arnolfini, M Shed, Centrespace, Southmead Hospital, and more. Her work has also been exhibited at Sophie Tea Art Gallery in Soho in partnership with Black Minds Matter.

Abbi has also illustrated a children’s book and was commissioned by the BBC for Black History Month to create an illustration of historical figures The Three Dikgosi.

She has recently finished an internship at Arts and Health South West illustrating the Big Give campaign and has launched her own blog, BIBI Magazine, reporting on arts, culture and lifestyle.

Abbi announced the release of her debut book, Where is Summer’s fluffy cat? in October 2020. A collaboration with author Simone Thomas, it’s the first in the Summer’s Adventures series, following the adventures of a young girl called Summer and her cat Mittens. Abbi says: “Simone Thomas and I worked really well together, as we shared the same message of imagination, representation, self love and education at its core.”

Abbi has recently illustrated her first children’s book. Image: Abbi Bayliss

In the same month, Abbi was commissioned by by the BBC to illustrate The Three Dikgosi for Black History Month, curated by Bristol-based historian and broadcaster David Olusoga.

“This is a commission I’m still astounded by,” the teen says. “This opportunity was so unexpected and out of the blue, it felt amazing seeing my illustration all over the BBC and BBC iPlayer’s socials.” Abbi was recently named as one of the 30 most influential under-30s in Bristol, three years after her brother Scott made the list. She says that being recognised for her work is “honestly one of the best feelings”.

Looking to 2021 and beyond, the artist hopes to collaborate with Bristol artists of group projects, will be working on her next book, plans to keep supporting Visual Arts South West as their youngest steering group member and start an illustration course at UWE Bristol.

“As an artist, I genuinely love what I do, so to see other people appreciating and enjoying my work is incredibly humbling,” says Abbi. “Support your local artist, baker, maker and business owners.

“Especially in Bristol, it’s filled with incredible people doing incredible things!”

Main photo: Abbi Bayliss

Read more: 30 of the most influential under-30s in Bristol revealed