Although typically a very quiet and private artist, we at artrepublic have had the lovely chance to get a sneaky peak into the work of Bonnie and Clyde through our artist’s Q&A. Take a look....
What are the main inspirations behind your work?
I'm inspired by everything from architecture, signage and iconography to music, film and people. Right now, half of my work seems to focus on cities like New York and Havana whilst the other half focuses on the ocean and seaside places like Coney Island and Venice Beach.
How do you approach the actual making of a piece?
I create collages using layers of paper, pencil, scissors, glue, camera, photos, paint and my Mac. Some become screen prints and giclee prints whilst others exist simply as originals.
What's your medium?
Screen prints, giclee prints and mixed media collages.
What are you currently working on?
I’m working on a series of prints inspired by a long trip to Southern California last summer. Some focus on the iconic sand and palm trees of Santa Monica, others the colourful architecture and characters surrounding Venice Beach and downtown Los Angeles.
Describe your work in 5 words?
Sub-pop art meets psycho-geography.
Describe an average day for you?
Drink coffee, eat breakfast, admin and errands, go to my studio, play music, brainstorm or doodle ideas, drink some more coffee, create some art, go home, go for a long walk on the beach.
Does the impact of the viewer influence your work and if so, how?
No, to quote David Hockney” I paint what I like when I like and where I like”
What themes do you pursue?
I don't usually think about themes or meanings until after I've finished my work. Looking at my New York Street Scenes, Coney Island Boardwalk and Havana trilogy however, I'd say a sense of place and psycho-geography are recurring themes.
What's your favourite or most inspirational place?
New York. It's constantly changing and evolving and there's always something new to discover from independent bakeries, dumpling shops and bars to street art and landmarks. The Guggenheim and Museum of Modern Art usually have pretty amazing exhibitions on too.
What jobs have you done other than being an artist?
I’ve done everything from graphic design, photography and baking to running my own tee-shirt and sweatshirt label.
What makes you angry?
Bullies like Cameron and Osbourne!
When are you happiest?
Walking along the seafront
What's the one thing you can't live without?
Love
What superpower would you have and why?
I'd love to be able to fly.
Name three artists you'd like to be compared to and why?
I'd be flattered to be mentioned in the same sentence as any of my favourite artists. These range from street photographers like Helen Levitt, Zoe Strauss and Alice Attie to graphic designers like David Carson and Peter Saville. Pop-art wise, I'm a big fan of Andy Warhol, Peter Blake, Richard Hamilton and David Hockney whilst my favourite colourists are Basquiat and Stella Vine.
What's the best piece of advice you've been given?
Keep on keeping on.
In another life what would you be doing?
I'd be a cinematographer or an inventor.
