1.If you weren’t an artist, what else would you be?
A guitarist in a metal band
2.Can you tell us more about your work and what are the main ideas you would like to express?
I would describe my style as realist portraiture, that illustrates common themes in contemporary culture and human expression. I remove the image away from any background to give it complete focus on the figure. I believe by doing this it allows no external influence and lets the figure do the talking.
I have a strong interest in the artistic creative process, wondering how imagery with a high amount of technical skill is produced interests me deeply. By leaving my paintings on the boards the paper was stretched on, it gives the viewer an insight into the process in which these paintings were conceived. I try to find ways to interact with these processes to produce new dimensions in contemporary watercolour portraiture.
3.How do you start the process of making work?
Pretty much every person I choose to use for a portrait doesn’t have the time to sit for it. After the initial concept for the painting is decided, I would do a photo shoot and then use the images to produce my first sketch.
4.Do you consider the viewer, when making your work?
As most of my work is of human representation, and a lot of the time the viewer will ultimately be the owner of the piece. It is imperative that I consider their reactions. Nothing worse than unveiling a piece of someone and they hate it. On the other hand, there is nothing more rewarding than seeing someone shed a tear over your work. I think thats why I love the sentimental power of portraiture.
5.Name 3 artists that have inspired your work.
Chuck Close, Frans Hals and Michael Gillette
6.What defines something as a work of art?
Something that stirs emotion and sticks your mind. Be it love or hate, I believe an emotive reaction is key.
7.Anytime, any place – which artist’s body would you most like to inhabit?
Gustav Klimt
8.What was the most intelligent thing that someone said or wrote about your work?
Someone once said I have ‘a beautiful consideration for the subtleties of human expression’
9.Which artists would you most like to rip off, sorry, I mean appropriate as a critique of originality and authorship?
Glenn Brown, that guy is too good. Anyway, it would be ok to rip him off as he’s already done that to Dali…if he can get away with it so could I!
10.Do you care what your art costs? State your reasons!
I think pricing your own work is the hardest thing to do, what I’ve learnt is if you don’t ask you don’t get…but honestly, as long as I can afford get by and laugh, I’m happy.
11.What’s next for you?
I want to create bigger and more impressive work, I really want to see how far I can push this medium.
You can catch Ben Rix at ROKTIC GALLERY, 214 BRICKLANE, LONDON E1 from This Thursday evening until the 18th August
More details: www.facebook.com/events/
