Exploring Art, Motherhood, and the Inspiring Landscapes of Malvern Hills
Layla Khani’s artistic story began long before she ever picked up a carving tool. With a degree in English Translation, she worked on art and music books in Iran, sparking her appreciation for creativity. Yet it wasn’t until she moved to the UK and attended an exhibition on printmaking techniques that she found her true calling: linocut printing. “I was captivated by the way the different methods, particularly linocut, created such striking textures and marks,” she explains. A printmaking course soon followed, and Layla never looked back.
Finding the Right Path
Although Layla has been making art for over 20 years, it was 15 years ago that linocut truly hooked her. Along the way, she studied Art & Design at the University of Worcester and later pursued an MA in Visual Communication at Birmingham City University. Each step of her journey, from working as a translator in Iran to honing her craft in the UK, helped shape the linocut style she’s known for today.
Nature as Inspiration
The natural beauty of the Malvern Hills serves as Layla’s biggest muse. “I draw my inspiration from the landscapes around Malvern Hills, the textures, colours, and little details in nature,” she says. Even quiet moments - like rain falling or the changing seasons - add depth and mood to her prints. Working from her home studio means she can stay connected to these surroundings, immersing herself in the scenery that sparked her initial fascination.
Motherhood and Milestones
A defining turning point in Layla’s career arrived with the birth of her son. “I started seeing the world through his eyes,” she notes, crediting this perspective shift with helping her discover her style. Over time, she’s also celebrated moments like seeing her work exhibited for the first time and fielding the inevitable mishaps - “especially when I was learning and experimenting,” she says. But for Layla, both the highs and the lows have been crucial to her growth.
Daily Life in the Studio
These days, Layla’s routine involves dropping her son off at school, then heading out for a quick walk to clear her mind before settling into her studio. “I normally work during the day,” she explains, making time not just for carving and printing but also for the essential tasks of managing orders, updating her website, and staying active on social media. For detail-oriented stages of her artwork, she prefers quiet, while music or podcasts accompany the more repetitive tasks.
Coffee, Creativity, and the Future
Fuelled by coffee, Layla continues to develop her linocut practice, ever appreciative of the nature and moments of stillness that shape her prints. “Each step has been a learning experience, allowing me to express myself through different mediums and connect with others through the stories my art tells,” she reflects.
From her early days translating art books in Iran to perfecting her linocut technique amid the rolling landscapes of the Malvern Hills, Layla’s journey embodies a deep commitment to creativity. Whether she’s carving a lino block or finding inspiration in a quiet rainfall, Layla pours her passion into each print. You can discover more of her work on Laylart.com, follow her on Instagram at @laylartstudio, and connect on Facebook at Layla.Laylart. Each linocut is a testament to her evolving vision - one etched with nature, storytelling, and an unshakable love for the medium she calls home.
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