Interview with Linear Geometric Abstract Artist Fraser Renton with Oliver Norris 

Come and meet the artist Fraser Renton at the New Artist Fair's 'Summer Exhibition' 13-15 September 2019

​What is your background and where are you from?

Varied! Everything I have ever undertaken has been self taught. On leaving college, I worked within the entertainment industry together with pop groups, west end productions and touring cabaret troupes creating costumes, sets and props, before changing direction into web development and graphic design, all of which have played a key ‘creative’ part in the development of the art I am now making. I am originally from Scotland but am now based in the South Downs of West Sussex.

How do you classify your work?

Linear-Geometric Abstracts and 3D Art Sculptures. Multiple colours, sharp lines, shapes with depth and optical illusions. For me there needs to be an edge to the works, whether that be using gradients, texture or simple subtleties in the colour.

Where’s your studio, what’s it like and do you have any rituals?

I currently work from my home studio, Fraser Renton Art in West Sussex. It’s very clean, modular, there is a place for everything and everything is easily accessible. I have no rituals apart from keeping it spotless between projects. (Fellow artist friends find it amusing when we compare studio photos).

What challenges have you faced in the art world?

Being relatively new to the art world, the challenge has always been getting seen. As a new artist it has been essential for me to keep updating my website and social media with my collections as well as showcasing them at art fairs and events around the country, including my own events Sussex Art Fairs, with Oliver Norris whom I collaborated with. So far I am pleased with my progression but know there is always room for improvement.

What is the main message of your work, what does it aim to say?

My pieces are bold and colourful and customers usually refer to my work as statement pieces. I was lucky enough last year to have a collector place one of my pieces in between and Picasso and a Dali, whom I can only aspire to! It was overwhelming to see and humbling to feel.

Is there a common reaction to your work?

I have been fortunate to receive mostly positive comments which are always lovely to hear. I realise my work is not to everyones taste but when exhibitingI have found my work usually causes a few reactionary smiles which to me is a good thing.

What are your inspirations and influences?

As far back as I can remember I have always had a love for linear geometrics and colour field paintings. I see the world we live in as a place full of linear-geometric constructions with enhanced colour vibrancies. My fascination for both these art forms has inspired me for many years. A few years ago, a dear artist friend of mine passed away suddenly. We collaborated together on a series of Alumesh works and had big plans on future collaborations incorporating this medium together with my own geometric works.

Who would you say are your favourite contemporary artists?

There are so many whom I admire but to name but a few of the greats, Piet Mondrian, Wassily Kandinsky, Jackson Pollock and Mark Rothko. I feel that many of the works from these fine artists represent some of the most intellectually fascinating and visually stimulating geometric and colour field art ever conceived.

How have you developed since inception?

I have always prepared my visions digitally, using colour fields and layers, before transferring these creations to ‘one-off’ original pieces using acrylic paints on canvas, birch-ply or aluminium surfaces most of which are finished with a protective resin overlay. After my first series of flat geometric work, I then incorporated perspectives and depths into my visions giving my art an almost 3D feel followed by the methodology of mesh moulding to create tactile art.

What do you have planned for the New Artist Fair in September?

This year I have incorporated my linear geometrics within circular panels and frame work which I plan on showcasing at The New Artist Fair in September. I also have a new range of works currently being created that will be revealed at the event so watch this space.

What do you have planned for the future?

My aim to conceptualise, capture and design new and enticing art that delivers a capacity to create fascination, evoke deep thought through beauty as well as engage great emotion and distill mood for the viewers. Along with this last year I joined forces with Oliver Norris to create Sussex Art Fairs. Having identified the need and demand for large scale contemporary art fairs near the south coast, Sussex Art Fairs (West) at Goodwood Racecourse and Sussex Art Fairs (East) at Brighton Racecourse were born. Be sure to come visit me in Brighton this October 11th, 12th and 13th and see more of my works on display!

​Come and meet the artist Fraser Renton & over 100 other artists at the New Artist Fair's 'Summer Exhibition' 13-15 September 2019