Jealous:

When did your interest in art first start?

Mimi:

I always had an interest in art growing up, but didn't know much about artists. Gradually, as my business grew and customers started to bring their art into the shop to be framed I began to learn about artists and illustrators - and find my favourites. 

Jealous:

Do you remember when you first discovered Jealous and what attracted you to us?

Mimi:

I first discovered Jealous because a lot of my customers were bringing in work and I would ask them where they got it from and the answer would often be Jealous! So I just had to investigate what Jealous was all about, and I instantly loved the art and saw that I was able to buy work from you and sell in the shop, which was brilliant.

Dave Buonaguidi

Dave Buonaguidi - New York Fucking City

Jealous:

Approximately how many screenprints have you got in your collection?

Mimi:

I have at least 10 signed limited editions of my own personal art collection but, of course, I’ve also purchased a lot of images for my shop and we've framed loads too. I can't put a figure on the amount we've actually purchased but rest assured, it’s a lot! 

Adria Marques

Magda Archer

Jealous: 

You have your own art shop in Balham – Can you tell us what in particular you look for when hunting out new pieces to fill your shelves.

Mimi:

When I'm looking for pieces to sell in the shop, I tend to buy art that is bright and even has humour to it, be it through words or illustrations. Basically, I buy art that I would have in my home, and it seems that my customers like what I like too, which is a win-win! 

Jealous: 

If you could only invest in only one artist’s work for the rest of your life, who would that be?

Mimi: 

If I was to invest in one artist’s work it would have to be Pure Evil. I actually have an original piece on canvas of Debbie Harry from him and abolutely love it. I also own a signed limited edition of Marilyn Monroe too and have sold many of his works in the shop. 

Michael Middleton - Madonna

Michael Middleton - Marley

Jealous:

You’re incredibly supportive of our Jealous artists, especially those who work here in our studio. We’ve noticed particular support toward Jealous artist Bench Allen. What is it about Bench’s work that catches your eye?

Mimi:

One of my other favourite artists is Bench Allen and I have had a lot of his work in the shop too, which is incredibly popular. I simply love his style: the colours he uses and the characters in his pieces, plus the cheekiness of some of his work such as Sex Shells and Sex Sea Gull and Sex Sea Buoy. They make me laugh and are very cleverly put together. 

Jealous:

Is there something particular about the process of screenprint that you find interesting?

Mimi:

Me and my team actually came to Jealous early this year and were shown around and saw the screenprinting process in person. I'm fascinated by this process and the amount of work that goes into this is unbelievable. The quality of all the art that come out of Jealous is absolute perfection which is why I continue to buy work from you - I always know that they will look amazing once framed.

HUGE thanks to Mimi for giving up her time to chat with us for this article. You can find Mimi V Artworks at 81 Balham High Road, SW12 9AP.