Being a photographer

Please give us a few words of introduction about yourself

I’m a photographer, dealing mainly with digital manipulation to produce abstract and surreal images

How and when did you start out as a photographer?

I photographed weddings part time years ago (medium format pre-digital) but then moved to London and was too busy to continue. Am now getting back into photography, although taking a different direction.

What training did you have?

No formal training but have experience of weddings and make up the rest as I go along!

What has been your best creative achievement so far?

Learning to master PS and Elements to manipulate my images. Don’t have a favourite image though.

General Questions

What’s your favourite quote?

You are evil and you must be destroyed.

Who is your favourite artist?

Man Ray.

What are you aiming for?

To improve my work and maybe start selling images.

How will you get there?

Hard work and practice!

Is anything holding you back?

Money!

You and photography

What sort of reactions do you get to your work? are you ever surprised?

Positive reactions, although my peers are not artists. I am surprised that reactions are so positive.

From start to finish, how long does it take for you to create your work?

Depends on the image I want to achieve. Anything from 10 minutes to a few hours.

What music do you like to listen to when you work?

My music collection is on my computer set to random, and it’s very random! Anything from The Planets to System of a Down!

What is next in the pipeline for you? Any new directions or shows coming up?

Continue to promote my work and keep an eye open for opportunities to exhibit.

Being inspired by photography

Who (living or dead) inspires you? and why?

Man Ray, I just like the feel of his work.

What feelings, subjects or concepts inspire you as a photographer?

Abstractness, taking an everyday image and turning it into something else.

What is your favourite work that you’ve produced so far and why?

I think my favourite so far is acorns-leaves, it just sums up the autumn.

a photographer’s advice

Have you got any advice for those starting out as a photographer?

Keep at it!

Being an artist

Please give us a few words of introduction about yourself

I have been described as a multimedia artist

How and when did you start out as an artist?

I feel as though I am just starting out despite having been a creator all my life!

What training did you have?

I am currently a mature student at Hereford College of art. I gained a Foundation Diploma in Art a couple of years ago and recieved a Distinction grade – University of the Arts London.
I also have a B.Sc in Psychology.

What has been your best creative achievement so far?

I recently worked on an multimedia piece in conjunction with Downstairs Gallery Herefordshire. This included an outside installation, photographs and film. The film and photographs ‘Thought in Time’ are currently showing at Apple Store Gallery, Hereford.

General Questions

What’s your favourite quote?

‘Life is a ticket to the greatest show on earth’. Martin H. Fischer

Who is your favourite artist?

Bill Viola

What are you aiming for?

Recognition, validation

How will you get there?

Keep working hard.

Is anything holding you back?

Only myself.

You and art

What sort of reactions do you get to your work? are you ever surprised?

People say my work is mysterious, dreamlike, mystical, strong, and yes, always surprised.

From start to finish, how long does it take for you to create your work?

It depends – a good piece, if I am in the flow might take a few hours. If I am making an installation It can take a week or longer. However I feel that my work unfolds from one idea to another in a seamless fashion, so identifying a timescale for my work seems limitless.

What music do you like to listen to when you work?

I like to work in silence

What is next in the pipeline for you? Any new directions or shows coming up?

I am currently preparing for my final degree show. I also have a group show in the Courtyard, Hereford arranged for early 2013. But after I finish college I intend to build up my portfolio and apply for an MA somewhere.

Being inspired by art

Who (living or dead) inspires you? and why?

Anthony Gormley, Gerhard Richter, Bill Viola, Rothko. They and their work hold a presence which instills a connection with a deep stillness. Something I connect to in an unconscious way. The work of these people digs deep into my bones and makes me want to break through my own boundaries and create on a wilder level.

What feelings, subjects or concepts inspire you as an artist?

Stillness, depth, metaphor, mystery.

What is your favourite work that you’ve produced so far and why?

The installation piece at Downstairs. ‘The thought that cought the thred of light’

an artist’s advice

Have you got any advice for those starting out as an artist?

Just keep working, keep reflecting, keep going.

Being a photographer

Please give us a few words of introduction about yourself

Hi, I’m Adrian. These are my first tentative steps into the scary world of starting my own photography business. Hopefully this interview may inspire folk to try too.

How and when did you start out as a photographer?

From when I was a nipper I’ve usually had some kind of camera, my parents would take us out into the countryside regularly, so plenty of opportunities to photograph things. Over the past few years I’ve become interested in digital photography and am now starting to aim towards making a living out of it.

What training did you have?

Pretty much like many other photographers I reckon. Just being out in the field using the equipment helps me enormously. I also spend a lot of time talking to other photographers and the other usual suspects such as the internet and books. You can’t beat hands on experience though.

What has been your best creative achievement so far?

I photographed a wedding reception recently (my first one!). It was a challenge due to the low indoor light (and no real room to use a tripod) but the images came out really well and the bride and groom got a dvd that they were proud of.

General Questions

What’s your favourite quote?

‘We’ve gone on holiday by mistake!’- Withnail and I

Who is your favourite artist?

My friend Lesley.

What are you aiming for?

Happy clients, a happy me and a happy bank balance!

How will you get there?

Hard graft. You really have to sell yourself these days, competition is fierce due to the number of folk doing this sort of thing. Get out there, get great images, talk to people and sell yourself! I’m going to find a niche in the market, a challenge but I know I can do it.

Is anything holding you back?

Well, the obvious answer is of course money. Setting up a photography business is not a cheap venture, investing in quality equipment is essential but costly. So yes, money, that and the amount of people doing this kind of thing.

You and photography

What sort of reactions do you get to your work? are you ever surprised?

Being a hyper-critical man of my own work, I’m always surprised by peoples enthusiasm! Reactions are normally very positive thank goodness.

From start to finish, how long does it take for you to create your work?

That depends on so many variables. Some subjects are more complex than others, require more equipment and more image editing. The short answer is that I can’t answer that with any particular accuracy.

What music do you like to listen to when you work?

When I’m editing images I’ll quite often put on a bit of alt-country or English psychedelic-folk; sometimes a bit of heavy rock does the trick though.

What is next in the pipeline for you? Any new directions or shows coming up?

I have a wedding in the Breccon Beacons to photograph in a few months and possibly I’ll be photographing the band Shearwater when they come to play in Brighton in March. Can’t wait to see how things pan out.

Being inspired by photography

Who (living or dead) inspires you? and why?

My father’s photography inspires me, he spent decades travelling round the planet documenting as he went. That certainly did and does inspire me.

What feelings, subjects or concepts inspire you as a photographer?

I’m inspired by the great world window around us. People fascinate me, insects fascinate me and our lovely landscapes fascinate me too.

What is your favourite work that you’ve produced so far and why?

A portrait photograph of a mother’s 5 year old child. I’m just very pleased by the overall composition and the emotion that I’ve captured in his eyes. It’s also a great feeling to know that you’ve captured and documented someone’s life, just for that split second but it can last a lifetime.

a photographer’s advice

Have you got any advice for those starting out as a photographer?

Do your research before buying equipment, it’s easy to spend an awful lot of money but end up with inadequate gear for the job. Join a photography club, get talking to people, do photo shoots for free to get that experience that will get you paid work. Above all, don’t panic!

Being a painter

Please give us a few words of introduction about yourself

I am passionate about the world that we live in, despite what goes on it is a wonderful world and nature is my first inspiration in art. My work tries to reflect how I believe our oceans and coastlines ideally should remain, natural and revered. I try my best to support ocean awareness as much as I can and to promote our beautiful blue planet as the ocean has been so kind to me..

My intention is to capture moments in time that leave a positive memory in the viewer, to create an almost scuba diving experience of beautiful realms beneath the water’s surface. Enabling the viewer to swim amongst clean sea beds and be washed over by the ever moving tide; or brush past sea turtles and be filled with color as they pass through schools of tropical fish. It is hopefully a welcome introduction to a beautiful world deep beneath the surface for those who live nowhere near the coast or who don’t have immediate access to the sea, a world that maybe only a few are blessed to see with their own eyes.

My above water waves and seascapes try to take the viewer to a special natural place…

When did you decide to pursue painting as a career?

I have always painted and wanted to pursue art as a career but really it was around 2005 that I got my first break after being an intermediate level surfer and began painting oceans and marine wildlife for others who suddenly wanted to own one of my paintings.

However, even today I find myself out of work and constantly pursuing the opportunity to go full time and sell lots of paintings.

What training did you have?

I have had no training at all. Much of what I do today comes from painting constantly and working things out for myself. I do sit in natural places, go for walks and take hundreds of photos so that I can work from them.

What has been the high point of your career so far?

Being awarded a place on the prestigious ‘Ocean Artists Society’ by Wyland, Americas Ocean artists and marine wildlife ambassador. Now being one of the worlds top ocean and marine wildlife artists.

General Questions

What’s your favourite quote?

What we do in this life will resonate not just within ourselves but within everything, as all things in life are connected..

Who is your favourite artist?

I have no favourite artist, but I do love the work of Van Gogh, Constable, Waterhouse and as many fantasy artists out there.

What are you aiming for?

I am aiming to one day open my own gallery and send copies of my work and originals all round the world and to work in art full time and earn enough to support myself and as many conservation societies as I can. To promote ocean and marine wildlife awareness around the world.

How will you get there?

I will constantly paint my seascapes and keep entering competitions and apply for galleries in the hope that soon someone will see my work and see some potential within me.

Is anything holding you back?

 
Finance.

You and painting

What feelings or reactions do you hope to arouse in people who view your work? Are you ever surprised by reactions that you get?

I try to send out a real positive influence through my paintings so that people feel happy when they see my work, or think that nature really is beautiful. I attempt this by using bright vivid colours, lots of sunlight, idyllic scenery and of course wildlife. The subliminal message of course is to influence the person to think more about protecting and preserving our planet and caring more about the environment and its inhabitants.

From start to finish, how long does it take for you to create your work?

My work usually takes anything from a week to a maximum of two months.

What music do you like to listen to when you work?

I love listening to natural sounds of the ocean but also Clannad and New Age holistic, meditation, relaxation music.

What are you working on next? Any future plans or projects in the pipeline that we should look out for?

I am now working upon a large 40×40 Inches canvas depicting a US National park with a mountain range, pine trees and bright turquoise clean river running over rocks. This is a commission for a Native American relative of mine who is sending me a lovingly crafted traditional flute in return.

Being inspired by painting

Who (living or dead) inspires you? and why?

I am inspired by the Ocean, by waves, by sunlight, by dolphins and whales. I am mostly inspired by Wyland, David Attenborough, Sylvia Earle and the Cousteau family because of their commitment to our planet and its oceans and also to promote and care for our planet.

What feelings, subjects or concepts inspire you as a painter?

A feeling of well being, inner happiness and peace with everything. Love…

What is your favourite work that you’ve produced so far and why?

My favourite work so far is ‘Rushing In’. When I first began painting this scene I didnt realise how popular it would become, but everywhere it has been displayed, I’ve received hundreds of compliments. The painting or scene is supposed to make the viewer feel as if they are sat upon nearby rocks listening and watching a huge wave crash constantly against rocks and seeing the explosion of foam and colour before their eyes.

a painter’s advice

For those thinking about turning a passion for painting into a career, could you give any advice?

Its hard work but its truly enjoyable and you must enter competitions, get your work online but most of all get it out there to the public.

Any tips on how to get your work seen and get the commissions coming in?

Yes Artweb and other websites help considerably. Only by advertising yourself and getting your work out there will anyone else see it.

Being a crafts maker

Please give us a few words of introduction about yourself

I am a metal sculptor living and working in Brighton.

When did you decide to pursue making crafts as a career?

I have been creating my work professionally for the last 8 years.

What training did you have?

I graduated from Brighton University with a BA Hons in 3D crafts.

What has been the high point of your career so far?

Establishing a collaborative workshop, and getting to Make large pieces of work of my own design has been a real highlight for me in my working practice.

General Questions

What’s your favourite quote?

Be who you are and say what you feel, because those that matter don’t mind, and those that mind don’t matter

Who is your favourite artist?

I love the work of Gaudi, Klimt, H.R Giger, and I’m a big fan of the art nouveau and art deco movement.

What are you aiming for?

I am aiming o make bigger work in more public areas involving more people.

How will you get there?

By pursuing my own sculptural work and getting larger commissions, I feel my work will become more and more relevant to expanding into community and public artwork.

Is anything holding you back?

The only thing currently holding me back is that I am looking for new premises to work from. A good thing to come from this has been meeting some really good people who have a shared interest in the kind of workshop set up I am looking for.

You and making crafts

What feelings or reactions do you hope to arouse in people who view your work? Are you ever surprised by reactions that you get?

I love people to feel the character of the pieces I make. I want to evoke humour, uncertainty, and even fear sometimes.

I once had someone that couldn’t come near Beatrice the Alligator, because they were absolutely petrified. I spoke to them outside the show and told them it was the biggest compliment I have ever had.

From start to finish, how long does it take for you to create your work?

The larger pieces of sculpture I make can take anything from 1 to 3 months to complete. Smaller pieces take between 3 days to 2 weeks. It really depends on the project.

What music do you like to listen to when you work?

I like to listen to a diverse collection of my own music whilst working, and cannot abide radio 1 or stations full of advertising.

What are you working on next? Any future plans or projects in the pipeline that we should look out for?

I am currently working on some smaller detailed sculpture using recycled objects. I am really excited about using new materials, and feel I am currently moving into some new areas with my personal work.

Being inspired by making crafts

Who (living or dead) inspires you? and why?

I think I am more musically inspired by others than I am visually. Nature is my sketchbook, music is my muse.

What feelings, subjects or concepts inspire you as a crafts maker?

The concept of living a creative life is an inspiring concept for me, though it is not without it’s challenges.

What is your favourite work that you’ve produced so far and why?

Beatrice the Alligator is one of my favourite pieces because it sowed me how much life, expression, and attitude you can get from a load of old saw blades and scrap metal.

a crafts maker’s advice

For those thinking about turning a passion for making crafts into a career, could you give any advice?

When turning a passion into money, it still has to be more about the art than the money, or you will lose inspiration. Keep going, and when things change keep going, and when it all falls apart, keep going.

Any tips on how to get your work seen and get the commissions coming in?

Exhibitions and events are a good way to get your name out there and your work seen.

Being an artist

Please give us a few words of introduction about yourself

I am a sculptor of clay with 26 years experience creating sculptures in ceramic.
In October 2010 I decided to move into creating sculptures for bronze in a more contemproary style.

When did you decide to pursue art as a career?

I have always been interested in art. Born in Stoke-on-Trent was an advantage becuase of the wealth of artistic ability in the area. I was introduced to clay at a young age and developed a passion for sculpting in clay.

What training did you have?

I trained at the sir henry doulton school of sculpture under the guidance of Dame Elizabeth Frink.

What has been the high point of your career so far?

Creating the bronze knight award for Intercontinental Hotels Group.

General Questions

What’s your favourite quote?

‘believe it or not, I can actually draw.’ Michelangelo

‘The artist is nothing without the gift, but the gift is nothing without work’ Emile Zola

Who is your favourite artist?

Henry Moore, Michelangelo.

What are you aiming for?

I would like to be know and respected for the quality of my work in sculpture.

How will you get there?

I have been creating a new body of work which I will launch in February at the Spring Fair NEC. I also have a number of show stands in 2012 including Crufts, CLA Game Fair, The Animal Art Show.

Is anything holding you back?

Finance is the biggest stumbling block for a sculptor in bronze, because the moulding and casting costs are so high. It also takes a while to create a new sculpture.

You and art

What feelings or reactions do you hope to arouse in people who view your work? Are you ever surprised by reactions that you get?

People usually enjoy my work. I would like to provoke a reaction that people like to look at my work enough to buy it.

From start to finish, how long does it take for you to create your work?

It can take anything from a week to 8 weeks to create each clay sculpture. It is then moulded, and cast into bronze using the lost wax method, which takes about 6 to 8 weeks.

What music do you like to listen to when you work?

I often listen to Heart FM, because it has a general mix of music and current affairs. I listen to it on didgital, which gives me a radio connection to London too.

What are you working on next? Any future plans or projects in the pipeline that we should look out for?

I am continuing to work on my abstract animal sculptures, and equestrian works. I am currently working on a running horse.
I have big plans for 2012 if my finances hold out, for various shows and exhibitions. I will be entering a number of competitions including the SEA and wildlife artsts. I have also entered Show me the Monet, so I keeping my fingers crossed that all goes well…..its going to be a big year!!!

Being inspired by art

Who (living or dead) inspires you? and why?

I am inspired by anybody with a positive mental attitude. People who are successful dispite setbacks. People who keep their main passion at the forefront of their mind.

What feelings, subjects or concepts inspire you as an artist?

I am inspired at the moment by the frozen planet. The struggles of the animals living in a changing environment, which they have little control over.

What is your favourite work that you’ve produced so far and why?

I really enjoy creating sculpture with movement and a high degree of difficulty. I also enjoy abstract sculptures like Henry Moores work. This is why my recent works are animal based, but with a contemporary edge. My favourite piece is Plight of the Polar bear.

an artist’s advice

For those thinking about turning a passion for art into a career, could you give any advice?

Decide what you want to achieve in your career and focus on it. Set yourself goals and time lines, long term and short term, to achieve this. Stay focussed on your goal and illiminate any negativity which surrounds you.

Any tips on how to get your work seen and get the commissions coming in?

The internet is a global window to your work and you as an artist. There has been no better time to promote yourself than right now.

Being an illustrator

Please give us a few words of introduction about yourself

I make diorama’s out of paper and other house-hold objects. Each new project is a stimulus to create a style for it. For example; The children’s book set in The cook Islands, I recycled supermarket bags for clothing, used chocolate for houses and maize flour for the sandy beach. I used a bathroom mirror for the sea. I then photographed the sets to make a multi-textural looking book.

When did you decide to pursue illustration as a career?

7 years ago, I started a stall on Brick Lane where I sold New Zealand clothing, jewellery and some of my photographic illustration. The art sold more, and it was a lot lighter to get down to market on a Sunday morning, and then a London Magazine ‘PIMP’ showed interest in my work, which got me feeling confident enough to post my work on the internet. Since then I have been found on the web for exhibitions and a graphic novel.

What training did you have?

After getting a degree in World Religion ,I ran a B&B in Scotland, Sold door-to-door products in New Zealand and worked in fashion shops and drew in fashion shops.

What has been the high point of your career so far?

A Billboard in the London Underground for ArtBelow with a soft message about wearing real fur as being pretty ugly .

General Questions

What’s your favourite quote?

‘You should make something of everything’ (Tanja Stanic)

Who is your favourite artist?

Grayson Perry, and Jeff Koons amongst the famous

What are you aiming for?

drawing, creating writing most days and producing my own books/stories /audio books

How will you get there?

I have a graphic novel coming out in 2012 and have had 3 children’s books published, so the timing seems right to write and illustrate my own graphic book. I am aiming at completing the writing in 2012

Is anything holding you back?

no – not really, I have illustration work on, but I find different art forms feed each other, so it’s good to have a few pots on the stove.

You and illustration

What feelings or reactions do you hope to arouse in people who view your work? Are you ever surprised by reactions that you get?

I am always surprised when people seem enchanted by my work, and all it does, is take me into it’s world and enjoy it, a bit like a child who has re-discovered a secret door in their room.

From start to finish, how long does it take for you to create your work?

My Photographic paper-cut work takes about a day, and my 2d work about half a day for an image.

What music do you like to listen to when you work?

Variety: Jean-Michel Jarre to Radio Four gardeners hour, and I don’t garden…yet

What are you working on next? Any future plans or projects in the pipeline that we should look out for?

Graphic Novel ‘Night of the living Dead’ coming out soon
and my own written and illustrated Graphic Book is currently being written.

Being inspired by illustration

Who (living or dead) inspires you? and why?

Frida Kahlo and Amazing contemporary illustrators (mostly paper art): Edouard Sautai, Taylor Mckimens, Jeremias Böttcher,Matt Furie, Klaus Haapaniemi, Jim Stoten, Seiko Kato,Andy Macgregor, ILka Helmig & Karel Boonzaaijer, Toykyo, Animator/artist: Reuben Sutherland, Sculpture

What feelings, subjects or concepts inspire you as an illustrator?

Theatrical lighting, dimention, re-appropriation of objects, playing with mediums in an unusual way to get the mind thinking

What is your favourite work that you’ve produced so far and why?

The Graphic Novel work, its paper cut-out, but it’s also painterly and dark and atmospheric, and it was quite sacrificial to make it, as it was so intensive, and time consuming .

an illustrator’s advice

For those thinking about turning a passion for illustration into a career, could you give any advice?

1. Have a strong identity, as its very very competitive, its easy to think you should be all things to all people, but my experience has shown me, that it’s best to work on the styles you love the most, as you have to work hard and long to improve each year and to make changes (that are part of many jobs) without it driving you crazy, so you need to love it.
2.Professional attitude, you have to work to deadlines, and it’s good to communicate with your client in a warm manner, as that’s the best way to understand what’s needed. Sometimes the client does not know what they want, until they see what they don’t want (process of elimination) so sometimes you have to be motherly and guide a client, and make it easy for them, you have to remember that art is not easy to communicate about for some people, its hard for people to describe what they want, so like a doctor, you have to be good at working out what is needed, by asking questions, and this should be done from the start. Basically if you make it easy for the client, the job will be easier for you. 3. choose your clients- if someone is good to work with, reduce your rate if nessasary (if they are in a country with lower currency for example) as its well worth it over working with a nightmare client (the ones who are poor at communicating, leave you waiting on feedback, and don’t know what they want, dis-organised) You have to be exceptionally organised and ahead of time and leave a buffer zone to make your journey smooth…after all, its fun to draw if you feel you are on top of things.

Any tips on how to get your work seen and get the commissions coming in?

1.Exposure: Do some freebies at the beginning to get exposure and practice. 2.Repeat Work; Treat your clients exceptionally well, as people like working with people they trust, as clients are under a lot of pressure to meet targets , so if they know they can depend on you, they will work with you again. 3. get out there; web, market stall, exhibitions,socialize. I have found that cold- calling rarely works as well as real contacts, people like working with people they have met.

Being a painter

Please give us a few words of introduction about yourself

Painter, Installation Artist, Sculptor, Muralist, Print-Maker, Poet, Photographer.

When did you decide to pursue painting as a career?

1973

What training did you have?

B.F.A (Fine Arts)
INDIA

What has been the high point of your career so far?

2000 – Got Senior Fellowship, from H.R.D. Ministry, Govt. of India.
2010 – Member, General Council, J&K Academy of Art Culture & Languages.

General Questions

What’s your favourite quote?

‘Art is a collarboration between God and the artist, and the less the artist does the better.’
Andre Gide

Who is your favourite artist?

Picasso.

What are you aiming for?

Ultimate Reality.

How will you get there?

One of the great undiscovered joys of life comes from doing everything one attempts to the best of one’s ability. There is a special sense of satisfaction, a pride in surveying such a work, a work which is rounded, full, exact, complete in its parts, which the superficial person who leaves his or her work in a slovenly, slipshod, half-finished condition, can never know. It is this conscientious completeness which turns any work into art. The smallest task, well done, becomes a miracle of achievement.

Is anything holding you back?

Nothing as such.

You and painting

What feelings or reactions do you hope to arouse in people who view your work? Are you ever surprised by reactions that you get?

Good art is not what it looks like, but what it does to us.

From start to finish, how long does it take for you to create your work?

Depends upon the work.

What music do you like to listen to when you work?

Indian classical.

What are you working on next? Any future plans or projects in the pipeline that we should look out for?

Exhibitions in India and Abroad

Being inspired by painting

Who (living or dead) inspires you? and why?

Nature.
Because it purifies me.

What feelings, subjects or concepts inspire you as a painter?

Monsoon, Space, Nature defying beauties….

What is your favourite work that you’ve produced so far and why?

1994-Oil Painting (12´ × 4½´) (Harmony “Parimahal, Shankaracharya, Hari Parvat, Hazratbal & Dal Lake) for Raj Bhavan, Jammu and Kashmir.
1994-Oil Painting (12´ × 4½´) (Jammu 100 years ago) for Raj Bhavan, Jammu & Kashmir.

Because these works took out all from me inside.

a painter’s advice

For those thinking about turning a passion for painting into a career, could you give any advice?

If you are gifted naturally then go and strive hard.

Any tips on how to get your work seen and get the commissions coming in?

Through my website http://vijaysarafmeenaghe29.artweb.com, Saatchi online, If required personally i’ll be there..

Being an artist

Please give us a few words of introduction about yourself

I was born in Africa, at the tail end of British colonial rule, raised in Kent, Yorkshire, Sussex and Hertfordshire, wandered over to the States for a few years in my twenties (Los Angeles and New Mexico), and secretly believe I was a cowboy in a previous life. I’ve lived in Brighton for the last 27 years, during which time I got married and had two sons and started to pursue painting more earnestly

When did you decide to pursue art as a career?

Once I decided on art as an A level subject art college followed, initially I did stage design, but only took a few weeks to realise I was a 2D person, so switched to textile design and loved it. I found watercolour during my college years, and got hooked.

What training did you have?

West Sussex College of Design Worthing from 1972-76

What has been the high point of your career so far?

Showing at the Mall Galleries in group shows; selling paintings to the Hilton in Dallas, doing a poster for the London Underground. Seeing one of my textile designs (the only time ever) on someones back!

General Questions

What’s your favourite quote?

‘You are a sad strange little man and you have my pity’ (Toy Story), a lovely moment, and the whole film is associated with my children in their single digits. A lot of Bob Dylan such as ‘I was so much older then I’m younger than that now. ‘

Who is your favourite artist?

At the moment, early 20th century britsih artists, Spencer, Nash, Piper, onwards to Nicholsons, Hitchens etc. Just found Barbara Rae’s watercolour sketchbooks which are wonderful, expressive works

What are you aiming for?

A wider public!

How will you get there?

I can’t face tweeting, but have found a good print publisher, which means I can focus on the painting.

Is anything holding you back?

Time and the shortage of it.

You and art

What feelings or reactions do you hope to arouse in people who view your work? Are you ever surprised by reactions that you get?

Delight and a desire to eat the paintings, the same way mothers want to eat their babies (or does that just sound weird?)

From start to finish, how long does it take for you to create your work?

Very little time, a few hours maximum, some much less. If the painting takes too long and I start to feel like I’m tweaking and fiddling its already overworked. Some paintings I can rescue by washing them off and re-doing them. At this stage the original has failed and I feel much braver and more free to take risks.

What music do you like to listen to when you work?

At the moment, Camille, the Unthanks, Martha Wainwright’s Piaf cd. But mostly listen to Radio 4 or Radio 3 and some books on tape.

What are you working on next? Any future plans or projects in the pipeline that we should look out for?

I’ve started going to an oil painting class which I’m loving. Its lovely plastic quality allows you to think on the surface, make a mark and change your mind, which is almost impossible with watercolour; its a liberating feeling. I haven’t yet produced anything that will be going public, but that is the aim.

Being inspired by art

Who (living or dead) inspires you? and why?

friends, family, animals, for their endurance, or tolerance, or insight, or the good that they do, wittingly and unwittingly.

What feelings, subjects or concepts inspire you as an artist?

The natural world.

What is your favourite work that you’ve produced so far and why?

The large cockerels, with no background. They were painted with a lot of confidence and are simple and strong

an artist’s advice

For those thinking about turning a passion for art into a career, could you give any advice?

Peristence and practise.

Any tips on how to get your work seen and get the commissions coming in?

I’m sure this has been said many times: getting yourself out there, stands at art and trade fairs, where galleries, publishers and dealers can find you, and where you can find licensing opportunities if that’s a direction you’re happy to take

Being an artist

Please give us a few words of introduction about yourself

I work professionally and have an obsessive relationship with the Isle of Skye. i work from nature in oils capturing atmosphere and light which is very changeable on the island.

When did you decide to pursue art as a career?

I have painted since I was seven years old but took up full time professional painting 7 years ago.

What training did you have?

I studied art and life drawing at Edinburgh alongside my primary degree.

What has been the high point of your career so far?

A television programme made about my work for networking on ITV 1.

General Questions

What’s your favourite quote?

Art is more than a soup can or a happening (Rowland Hilder)

Who is your favourite artist?

Caspar david Friedrich

What are you aiming for?

Recognition

How will you get there?

Perseverance

Is anything holding you back?

Fashion.

You and art

What feelings or reactions do you hope to arouse in people who view your work? Are you ever surprised by reactions that you get?

My work is very emotional and I use subtle changes of light to evoke mood. I have had people in tears looking at my interpretations of Skye which is nice but surprising.

From start to finish, how long does it take for you to create your work?

I work quickly on location about an hour maximum and tidy up work in the studio which can vary from 10 minutes to a few days.

What music do you like to listen to when you work?

Guns and Roses, Catherine Anne Macfee (Gaelic traditional), Seasick Steve.

What are you working on next? Any future plans or projects in the pipeline that we should look out for?

Exhibition in Highland region in 2012 ‘The Viking Shore’.

Being inspired by art

Who (living or dead) inspires you? and why?

Constable – for sticking to his vision despite lack of recognition. He kick-started the Impressionist movement working outdoors and although his work was snubbed in the UK, he was well respected in France.

What feelings, subjects or concepts inspire you as an artist?

Natural beauty and the indiginous culkture of the landscape. I love Gaelic poetry and link the sentiments to particular locations. Fore example, my picture ‘Survivor’ contains a battered old tree which is a metaphor for Gaelic culture’s survival in the Scottish Islands.

What is your favourite work that you’ve produced so far and why?

Heasta, Skye – it has a melancholic colour palette that is just so typical of Skye.

an artist’s advice

For those thinking about turning a passion for art into a career, could you give any advice?

Be true to youself, master the skills you need to express yourself, accept constructive criticism and ignore fads and fashion.

Any tips on how to get your work seen and get the commissions coming in?

Good quality work always attracts attention – be your own best critic – I scrap about 10% of my output. Leave new work in a dark place for a couple of weeks and when you bring in out, look at it critically – if it’s substandard rework it or burn it!