For her delightfully unique artworks, Megan Fatharly breaks down the world around her and pieces it back together again. She’s also acutely aware of the importance of a supportive team and family, and talks to us candidly about her journey to embracing her neurodiversity.
At LAMP LDN we make it our mission to work with independent makers, artists and designers, and these creators become the fabric of our LAMP LDN community. We like to think of them as the Light in the LAMP, and this series gives us a few minutes to get to know them a little better. So, grab a glass of something cold and pull up a chair, as we chat to one of our makers - Megan Fatharly.
Megan is a printmaking artist who works with a variety of materials, and her creations seek to find the joy and the interesting in the mundane everyday. We love Megan’s evident love for her family and the team around her, and her incredibly unique way of viewing the world.
Tell us about your journey - how did the business begin?
I launched my online shop in 2019 after much hesitation —I was intimidated by the idea of increased visibility, and the logistical challenges that come with managing an online presence. However, I always found sharing my work online therapeutic, using my Instagram as a kind of traveling sketchbook to document the world around me and create a chronological record to revisit when needed.
My business truly took off during the pandemic. At the time I was living with my parents in a small village in Hertfordshire, which provided some comfort during the uncertainty, and I had access to my materials and printmaking press in the garage, allowing me to continue creating.
This strange time led to my Reminders series - my work has always been responsive to my surroundings, whether commenting on current events or reflecting my internal dialogue, resulting in visual reminders. The series has messages like "This Will Pass”, "Hugging You" and "You Are Enough”, intended to uplift during uncertain times.
Tell us about managing a new business during a global pandemic - how did you cope?
When my business grew rapidly, I felt overwhelmed and uncertain, but tried to keep focused on creating. My mum was essential in helping me organise my chaos, while my dad supported me by helping in the studio and taking orders to the local post office. Reflecting on that period is important, as I tend to focus more on future goals than the present. Navigating life with ADHD, which I was diagnosed with at 26, has been transformative but challenging.
My work also spans many processes, which I once found difficult to manage. In a world that encourages specialising in one discipline, I resisted boxing myself into one form or technique. I still struggle with emotional baggage tied to expectations and the business side of art, but remind myself to embrace play and return to basics without the pressure to create for profit.
Is there anyone in your life who has had a lasting influence on your taste and style?
Growing up in a creative household profoundly shaped me. My mum, who once practiced sculpture, always encouraged my artistic exploration, and we often discussed exhibitions and artists she admired. My parents recognised that making things with my hands brought me joy, and I was constantly coming up with ideas, even if I didn’t always give myself the grace to execute them fully.
My mum’s love for interior design, textures, and colours has inspired me to incorporate these elements into my own space. Though I tend to be chaotic, I’m learning to see this as part of who I am, and I’m finding ways to manage the chaos to prevent feeling overwhelmed. A recent trip to the Studio Cottage in Devon, with my mum, was especially inspiring. The owner, Philippa, had beautifully blended old and new, creating a space that embraced a slower pace. This experience made me reflect on translating my creative eye into my surroundings rather than reserving it all for my art.
What would you say are the biggest inspirations for your creations?
My greatest inspirations come from everyday moments: the season I’m in, conversations with friends, or the way light falls on a wall. My art-making process helps me slow down and process the world, as I pick up on small details. Creating helps me remember that I’m incredibly prolific, but my pace can lead to burnout if I don’t allow myself pauses.
I break down the world into form, line, colour, and texture, and collage helps me piece it back together. This process also reconnects me with parts of myself that may have felt lost. Recently, I’ve become more confident in combining writing and drawing. Though my degree in drawing began at Falmouth University, I often felt lesser for not drawing representationally. I’ve since realised that every artist sees the world uniquely and documents it in their own way. My line work and mark-making are what define my art.
Tell us about your supply chain - where do you source your materials? Do you try to remain conscious of longevity and sustainability?
I’m always seeking ways to elevate discarded items. This year, I launched a project called “Perfectly Imperfect,” which reuses fragments from my creative process that would otherwise be thrown away. This project keeps me engaged and aware of how much I consume and waste. I love creating conversations around making art from minimal resources, enhancing my problem-solving skills and adaptability.
One of my strengths is using materials in unconventional ways. For example, experimenting with different printmaking and drawing processes allows me to create unexpected outcomes. My tin-embossed artwork is one such result.
Hand-making everything with my team means we continually discuss waste reduction and sustainability. For instance, when making embossed cards, we repurpose off-cuts for thank-you notes or packaging inserts. This playful approach to creation keeps my practice adaptable and conscious.
What’s your favourite thing about being an independent maker?
What I love most about being an independent maker is sharing my work with people and knowing there’s always someone new to engage with. Social media can sometimes lead to comparison, and when that happens, I know it’s time to step back and reconnect with my environment. It’s not always easy, as I can feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of ideas I have, and organising my thoughts can be difficult.
Learning to embrace my neurodiverse brain has shown me that having many ideas isn’t a flaw. It’s about capturing them and not being afraid to let some go. Managing my anxiety and desire to please others has been an ongoing journey, but working with a small studio team has helped immensely. Rachael and Rose support me with admin and making, using their strengths to complement mine. This collaboration elevates my work beyond what I could achieve alone.
This year, collaborating on bespoke projects has been a highlight. It’s exciting to bring someone else’s vision to life through my process and share in the creative journey.