It’s always exciting to learn about emerging artists so we were pleased to interview Stuart Whitton as he prepares for his solo exhibition in London in October. We asked Stuart a series of questions to discover more about himself & his stunning work:
1.) Can you tell us a little about how you began drawing?
Drawing is something that I have done and thoroughly enjoyed ever since I can remember. I think that I’ve always been at my happiest with a pencil in my hand, which results in me entering my own world and completely zoning out from my surroundings.
A pivotal point regarding my fascination with drawing occurred fairly early in my childhood where my father drew and painted all of my favourite characters from books, television programmes and dinosaurs on my bedroom wall. I couldn’t believe that he had done them; sadly these were painted over as I grew older but his illustrations really built the passion for creating artwork inside me.
2.) What inspires you and your work?
Form and definition in all their aspects are probably my biggest influences, altering them to my perceptions is how I approach my work and how I know if a piece is worth completing.
3.) Which is your favourite piece of work and why?
Quite a hard question to answer as I tend to fall in and out of love with my pieces, it does tend to be the last piece I have completed. However, I have completed a portrait for my upcoming solo exhibition in October that I am really pleased with. The exhibition was actually named after the piece that can be seen in a recent promotional video I have created.
4.) What effect do you think the Internet has on the art world?
It certainly is the quickest way to show your work to an abundance of people simultaneously and how to potentially capture the attention of those that you may not be able to meet face to face. Although, it isn’t without it’s downfalls and has on occasion led to the usage of copyrighted imagery being exploited in various mediums.
Viewing work online and digitally in general is where our culture is continuing to sway towards but I think most would agree that there is nothing quite like seeing an actual piece ‘in the flesh’.
5.) What advice would you give to someone starting out in drawing?
I would say to keep practicing and to keep pushing your work even if it is completely self-initiated in as many avenues as you can. Speak to people in the industry and if possible meet them. I am still learning and looking what else I can bring into my work, every piece so far has pushed me in alternative ways.
Bio:
Stuart Whitton began to express himself creatively at a young age, by drawing various elements from his imagination and his surroundings.
Using traditional mediums he creates imagery tailored to his perceptions. A careful discretion of detail is utilised to develop a visually appealing relationship between meticulously drawn ethereal illustrations of the human form, objects and typographical elements.
His influences lie in the process of image construction, form, and surreal ambiguity with a preference towards detailed tonal qualities true to the realistic.
The work is a direct representation of his personality and inspiration, which can be identified in the smallest details.
Thanks to Stuart for this interesting insight into his work.
If you’d like more information please visit: www.stuartwhitton.co.uk
Blog: www.stuartwhitton.blogspot.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/stuartwhitton