Welcome back to our "Interview with an Artist" series, where we shine a spotlight on the talented creatives who make up the Castle Arts community. Today, we're excited to introduce you to Stephen Simpson, one of our new resident artists and a key part of the team working on an exciting new course offering we’ve got in the works.
Stephen isn't just an amazing artist; he's also getting ready to share his creative know-how with aspiring creators like you. When our new courses launch, Steve will be your tutor, guiding you through essential techniques to help you master key skills and take your artwork to new heights.
Learn all about Stephen's fascinating artistic journey, discover his creative influences, and pick up some invaluable advice for aspiring artists.
Can you tell us about your artistic journey and what inspired you to become an artist?
I kind of fell into being an artist – I graduated from university in 2008 with a degree in Interior Architecture and Design. At the time, we were in the middle of the financial crisis and as a newly qualified graduate, it wasn’t the greatest time to gain employment in an industry that was really struggling. So, after a 6-month break in Spain I came back to the UK not fully knowing what I was going to do.
I spent the next 12 months or so doing freelance design work, creating websites, graphic design for restaurants, designing logos for hairdressers, all kinds of things within the creative sector. I was then given the confidence by two friends who worked in the art world to give being a full-time artist a go, which I did… and shortly after I was signed to one of the leading art publishers in Europe. I was with that publisher for over 11 years, it gave me a platform to show my work to a huge audience and build a collector base.
What's your creative process like? Do you follow a specific routine or ritual when creating art?
I think every artist is different when it comes to a creative process. Previously I tried to treat my ‘job’ as a 9-5 and work in my studio at those times. As time went on, I realised I was more productive working longer when I was in ‘the zone’ often into the early hours, and not working if I wasn’t quite feeling it on a specific day. As for creating the art itself, I do have a process - as my work is built up of layers of paint, I’ll often work across a few paintings in one day. Usually, I’ll have around a dozen paintings on the go at any one time.
Can you tell us about a project you've worked on that you’re particularly proud of?
In 2019, I collaborated with Armani to do an art-meets-fashion exhibition in their flagship stores in Glasgow and Manchester. It was great fun to meet new clients from the fashion world. It was a little daunting as previously I’ve given presentations in galleries to ‘arty’ people, but the audience here was largely from the fashion world. Thankfully, my work was received really well, and the event was a huge success.
Who are some artists, past or present, that you admire, and how have they influenced your work?
JMW Turner is the first that springs to mind and how he manages to get the illusion of light into his paintings. It’s something that really influenced my early abstract work. I find Gerhard Richter’s abstract works captivating, especially the large-scale ones. I’ve got a range of art by different artists in my house but my favourite paintings at the moment are by an artist called Chris Guest – he paints in a really loose way which I admire, he makes difficult things look simple and effortless.
If you could have created any piece of art, which one would it be and why?
Leonardo Da Vinci’s Salvator Mundi, it sold in 2017 for $450 Million, and lets face it, who doesn’t want $450 Million!... although if I’d have painted it then it wouldn’t have sold for that, so maybe Antony Gormley’s Angel of the North. I live fairly close to the sculpture; it would be cool to have created something of that scale local to me and be able to see it regularly. 99.9% of the paintings that I paint, I never see again once they leave my studio so it would be nice to have a piece of public art, especially one so iconic.
What’s your favourite gallery or exhibition you’ve ever visited?
I think best for me because it was so unexpected was a Picasso Museum in Majorca. I got off the train in Sóller and it was in the station, I didn't know it existed. It was a nice surprise and was really good. Then as I walked out, I saw there was a Joan Miro exhibition opposite – bonus!
Would you say you’re a tidy or messy artist?
Messy! Very messy! My studio is a tip most of the time, I get paint everywhere. That’s the beauty of having a studio though, I can throw paint around without worrying about making a mess.
What do you wish you were better at in art?
I’d really like to improve my portraiture – it’s something I’d love to get better at, but I’ve never really had the time to dedicate to practicing. I hope that at some point in the future I’ll give it a go and maybe paint a self-portrait.
Have you ever suffered from artist’s block?
Yes! I think it’s natural for a creative person to get block now and again. It usually comes when I’m trying too hard, trying to force ideas. I find that when this happens, I’m best-off taking time out of the studio and either playing golf or going fishing to help me take my mind off work and coming back fresh.
What advice would you give to aspiring artists who are just starting their creative journeys?
Simple, get your work out there! It seems obvious, but in my time as a professional artist, I’ve lost count of the amount of people who’d come to an exhibition to tell me about their son or daughter or friend who’s an amazing artist, but they’ve never shown their work. Obviously, if you just want to be an artist for yourself then that’s fine, but if you want a career out of it then you need to have thick skin and put yourself out there. Be ready for some knockbacks, take advice when its given, and keep going.
Feeling inspired by Stephen’s insights? Join Castle Club for exclusive updates and get priority access to our courses when they launch.
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