Through collectible art pieces, consumer and commercial design, Teddy McDonald reflects a dialogue between past and present expressed through gestures of elegance and sprezzatura and inspired by nature, everyday objects and the street life of Milan, Florence, and Rome, with a nod to the enduring design and artistic legacy of his spiritual home, Italy.
Teddy McDonald established his remote professional practice in 2011 serving clients internationally. A few years later he acquired the patronage and friendship of FIAT heir and renowned art collector Lapo Elkann, reinforcing his international presence and links to Italian cultural aesthetics.
A creative whose work operates at the intersection of fine art, contemporary design and culture, Teddy McDonald's practice is defined by a fluid visual language that combines an intuitive use of colour, essential lines, gesture, and concept to create work that is emotionally resonant and immediately accessible. Teddy also bridges the gap between visual expression and engaging communication as seen with his live outside broadcast commentary for SKY News coverage of a royal wedding and in the 'glass box' studio discussing contemporary art.
Working across drawing, painting, bespoke objects and brand indentity, consumer and commercial design, Teddy moves easily between traditional art forms and functional design. His approach treats design as a creative extension of art — transforming canvases, objects and spaces of variable scale into expressive works that carry narrative, energy, and identity. Rather than separating art from everyday life, his work seeks to integrate creativity into lived experience.
Collaboration is important to Teddy McDonald who creates projects that sit outside conventional gallery structures while remaining grounded in artistic intent. These collaborations have positioned his work within wider cultural moments allowing it to reach audiences well beyond the traditional art world. Perhaps the most notable examples are the unique Fender Stratocaster guitars played by Ed Sheeran performing to millions around the world during the Multiply and Divide world tours and to headline The Glastonbury Festival.
Teddy McDonald’s work is held in private collections internationally and has been exhibited in the United States, UK and Europe. His MacBook features wallpaper with the phrase, "It"s the Love! - e l'amore!" and his practice reflects a belief that art and design should feel alive, intuitive yet considered, expressive yet refined and that creativity is most powerful when it connects with a global audience.
