1 When did you start to make art?
About six months ago.
2 How did you evolve into a professional artist?
I’m not. I’m still a graphic designer, but I’m finding that I am having more and more ideas that I want to produce in to projects. All of which are a reaction to the world I live in.
3 What drove you to make art as a professional vocation?
Erm, Now I definitely feel like a fraud. But in light of this new work I guess because the design industry is a competitive, saturated market right now and one that I’ve been in for over ten years, eight of which has been running my own company (www.plan-bstudio.com). Now that my girlfriend has gone back to work after maternity leave we are able for one of us (me) to take a bit of timeout. So whilst I continue my ‘day job’ I’m slowly bubbling away on these other projects.
4 Explain your inspiration?
Life, and the French. Right now I am more frustrated with politics, and our so-called political and business leaders than ever, as are most of us who care about, well, everything.
We are all being taken for a ride and it is not one that we have chosen, but most of us damn near spend all our time moaning and doing nothing about it. Much of my new work is about taking that frustration and trying to create something that (even if it is just for my benefit) will feel like a cathartic release.
I mentioned the French because if they don’t like something, they go on strike. They protest. I’m not trying to belittle our two million-strong march on Westminster apposing the War on Iraq. But the French don’t just march for a few hours shaking there liberal fists and newspapers. The bring the country to a halt, and (in many cases) make a difference! I sometimes wish we would embrace some of our close latin and European passion for doing what is right, and just. We’re always so polite, so accepting and apologetic, until we get behind closed doors.
5 In what way does your inspiration transform into ideas?
Usually governed by money – sorry but it is true. I have a mortgage and a family to help support (along with my girlfriend). That said I am always busy researching and talking to people and networking to try and find the right people who might want to work with me and in return (Karma-wise) I try to make sure I help others wherever possible.
Right now I am working on another series of screenprints that have been described as ‘Taking on the system, with sarcasm’. I guess I like to poke fun and create a reaction with this non-commercial work. I’ve spent years working with big brands and now I can use an avenue to have my own commentary.
I am also working with a ceramic designer on a range of porcelain figurines.
6 From Ideas to production of art – how? And why?
The medium is the message, right? I tend to try and put in to production the projects that I know I can achieve. The aforementioned figurines might never see the light of day, but that doesn’t stop me from trying.
The ‘why’… well in all honesty I find little inspiration from graphic design anymore. And I want to produce other work that I feel has a greater relevance or meaning. It is not about the importance of been known, but been known for doing something of merit or interest; no one is going to put a corporate logo of mine on their wall and look at it everyday (unless they are mental) but quite a few people have bought my poster. I just like the idea that they might be on peoples walls for a while and each time they look at it/them, it might make them react; be it a smile, or just a moment to consider things.
Lastly – money. I’m not doing this to make a fortune, but if I can earn some money from doing it then all the better. I might just add that with each new series of work I produce I donate 10% of all proceeds to a local charity. ?
8 Which artists would you most like to blatantly rip off?
Non. I’ve had people copy my work before, and it’s not something I like.
9 Why is your art made?
I wouldn’t call it art, my work is more about reflection; taking what I have, or what I am told and relaying that in the form I more closely believe is the reality.
10 What does being an artist mean to you?
I’m not one, so I cannot answer that directly from experience. But I do have friends that are artists and to me they represent people who have a unique way of interpreting the world in ways that value is almost too difficult to place upon.
11 Are you happy with your reasons for making art? i.e Are there any trade offs that make life hard?
Right now it is early days regarding my non-commercial work, but time and money are really the only issues as I look after my son when he’s not at Nursery.
12 When does your art become successful?
Right after I’ve popped my clogs?
13 What is art?
A form of expression.
14 How do you start the process of making work?
Pencil and paper.
15 Who prices your work? And how is the price decided upon?
I do. I ask everyone I know what they would pay and then I times it by ten (joke).
16 What is your next; move,project,show etc?
A new series of screenprints for my Democrazy project. Then a film project, and maybe these figurines.
17 What are the pros and cons of the art market?
I would imagine that right now less people are buying?
18 Which pieces would you like to be remembered for?
The one that is most original.
19 Any routine in making your artwork? If so what?
Screenprinting has a process (obviously), but I don’t think being creative can have a ‘routine’ because I might get an idea in my sleep, or whilst on the toilet or driving the car. It’s how that is then developed.
20 What has been the biggest break in your career?
Not sure I have had one, but right now this forthcoming Affluenza Exhibition is my first public show, so I might look back and say this one, right now.
21 Who has been the biggest influence on you?
My son and girlfriend. Is that a bit too ‘Oscar ceremony’? I want my son (and any subsequent children) to grow up enjoying life and I associate that with being happy and for me to be happy is to know that I am doing (or have done) all that I can. In order to feel like that I need to constantly be finding that balance between working and being with them.
22 How many artworks have you given away and to whom?
So far, only two; this is my first project remember. One to my friend Mark, and one to my parents.
