Meet Mr Sly, a mixed media artist from England combining 20th-century pop culture and bold designs.
Being an artist
Please give us a few words of introduction about yourself
I am 29 years old from Liverpool, married with 3 children under 5. I have a obsession for art.
When did you decide to pursue art as a career?
I have always been artistic. Where I grew up there were a lot of busy roads and my parents were quite protective, so I took to the pen from a early age.
What training did you have?
I learned myself at a young age doodling. I then went on to college to study graphic design.
What has been the high point of your career so far?
Seeing my work hung up in galleries is the best buzz and people’s reactions to my artwork—makes it all worth while.
General Questions
What’s your favourite quote?
“Not everyone is a artist but everyone is a critic.”
Who is your favourite artist?
That’s a really tough one, there are so many. I’ll say Litchenstein for now.
What are you aiming for?
To share my artwork around the world and to get a positive reaction.
How will you get there?
By doing what I enjoy and producing more work, that hopefully people like.
Is anything holding you back?
No, but I do sometimes have to juggle between being a family man and an obsessive artist.
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?
Happiness, fun, random.
From start to finish, how long does it take for you to create your work?
You never know with art, sometimes it can take a day or so. Other times longer. I have had ideas in my head and not actually started it for months later, always changing on how it will look.
What music do you like to listen to when you work?
60s 70s rock, indie, soul. I love all music—music is a big thing for me when I am producing my art, it gets me in the zone.
What are you working on next? Any future plans or projects in the pipeline that we should look out for?
Always. My next project is printing my images on to large materials from glass to metal. I cannot wait to see the end result.
Being inspired by art
Who (living or dead) inspires you? and why?
There are so many people that inspire me from musicians like Paul Simon and The Beatles and artists like D*face, Banksy and Tristan. I am inspired by their determination and passion.
What feelings, subjects or concepts inspire you as an artist?
It’s all about having fun for me, I love to try and stand out and mix things up. Icons and musicians inspire me.
What is your favourite work that you’ve produced so far and why?
Fresh 2 death
An artist’s advice
For those thinking about turning a passion for art into a career, could you give any advice?
If you enjoy it, go for it. There is nothing stopping you, if you have that passion you will find a way.
Any tips on how to get your work seen and get the commissions coming in?
Instagram is a big thing for me and putting links to my website on social media.
You can read more about Mr Sly and his works here.
