Establishing his style shortly after his Illustration degree in London, Eddy Bennett is now an internationally acclaimed artist that has produced work and commissions from all over the world. The work he produces bridges between the traditional craft of sign painting, gilding and the vibrant, arresting aesthetic of the Pop movement. Here, Eddy shares with us the inspiration behind his new print, 'Welcome to my world', and answers some of our burning questions!
AR: What was the inspiration behind your new release, ‘Welcome to my world’?
I wanted to achieve a detailed, quality artwork that resembles the quality and craftsmanship of Victorian and early 20th century ephemera. Lithograph labels made for advertising and design of this period were second to none, and is something I will always be in awe of. They had beautiful embossing and gold leaf details, standing out from their competitors due to the extravagant and expensive printing techniques in the industry.
Instead of being 75mm, similar to a cigar box label, I wanted to make my own gigantic version...so here you are!
It also seems to be a rather fitting time for the ‘Welcome to my world’ phrase. For the majority of us, we have spent the last 4 months working, sleeping, existing in our own little worlds we call home. Perhaps this would be a great way to either celebrate, commemorate or purely just to remember the time you’ve had during this pandemic.
AR: Do you see this work as a continuation of previous work or a series, or a new departure in your practice?
The majority of my artworks are original paintings onto glass, using the traditional method of sign writing and gilding. Prints have always been on my 'to do' list, however they always took a back step where commissions and originals took priority. The last print I released was 5 years ago, so I've been itching to release another. These prints are just an extension of my typographic nature, focusing on quality craftsmanship and design.
AR: What does a typical day look like for you?
White spirit for breakfast, enamel paint for lunch, and gold leaf for dinner!
AR: Which artists inspire you, or you admire?
The most influential artist I know is David Adrian Smith, one of the greatest glass embossers and gold leaf artists, focusing on traditional and ornamental sign making.
Others favourites are typography nerds such as; Ed Ruscha (he started out as a sign painter), Jeff Canham (sign painter)... you see the pattern here.
AR: When did you know you wanted to pursue a life in art?
Honestly, I think when I was a kid in school, around 13. Studying art and design throughout school, college and university gave me that drive to pursue it. Also, not having much of an education in other areas, I didn't really have the option to become an astronaut.
AR: What is your earliest art memory?
Drawing with my two brothers on a rainy day in Cornwall.
AR: What did it feel like when you sold your first artwork?
Hope.
AR: What’s your favourite creative work?
Art and music go hand in hand for me, but anything that is created without a computer wins all day long.
AR: What’s next?
I'm focusing on creating larger and more detailed glass artworks, where typography and imagery coincide. Perhaps one day, if I gather a large body of work, I'd like to have a solo show with only originals!
