Simon Slater Interview
1) How long have you been making art?
I have been painting and making art for over seven years now. A good friend bought me my first canvas and paints whilst out shopping in Glasgow, she suggested I try some painting as a way of relaxing and release stress. I have been painting ever since and find it a great release for my ideas and creative energies.
2) What genre best describes what you do?
It is not easy for me to define my style of art as I don't stick to one particular style. My art is often a spontaneous explosion of abstract expressionism mixed with experimental subconscious creation.
3) How has your artwork evolved since you began?
My art has evolved a lot since I first began painting. My first painting was some kind of abstract sunflower,it was flat and nothing much to it. Seven years on my art is full of colour, texture and feeling. I love to experiment with colours and I am constantly searching for new ways of applying paint to canvas.I am very pleased how my art has developed over the years and have learnt a lot purely experimenting with the possibilities of paint. I look forward to progressing further as an artist.
4) Is there a medium or technique that you have yet to try but would like to?
I mainly use acrylic paints as I feel I work well with them. I have used oil paints a few times and loved the result so I plan to use more in future art. Also I have never used glass paint and inks so want to experiment with these. I've seen artists who mix glass paint with acrylic which produced some amazing effects. I like exploring and creating new techniques.
5) What would your ideal solo exhibition be like and where would it be held?
There are many places I would like to exhibit my art, but I would loved to hold a solo exhibition at The Gallery of Modern Art in Glasgow. The gallery is in the heart of the city and is enjoyed by thousand of locals and tourist each year. I find Glasgow a beautiful city with a great atmosphere and energy which has been an inspiration to my art. I would also like to play apart in the ever growing Glasgow art scene.
6) What do you like most about the art world?
I like how the art world is so varied in so many ways. I find the art world a very curious and interesting place which is ever changing. The art world has so many possibilities and creations with a vast contrast of ideas,views and expression all portrayed through art. Like a lot of new artist I am only at the beginning of my artist career and look forward to exploring the fascinating world of art further and will continue to make the most of the opportunity's the art world brings my way.
7) What inspired you to create the painting 'The City'?
This is one of my favourite paintings and was a lot of fun to create. 'The City' was inspired by the hustle and bustle of big city life. I created this Artwork during Glasgow's festive madness, the explosion of colours symbolise this. Glasgow has a great vibe at Christmas and I like seeing the city centre filled with festive cheer and positive energy and wanted to capture this in a painting.
8) Which artists either historically or current, have influenced you the most?
I like artists that are highly individual with their artwork and artists with a distinctive style.I feel inspired by the works of Salvador Dali and really admire his eccentric and imaginative style. Dali's surrealist master pieces are fascinating and his vast artistic repertoire were amazing. For me Salvador Dali himself developed into a living work of art in his own right.
Some of my recent paintings have been influenced by unknown graffiti and street artist. The street art and graffiti scene is fairly new to me but I have developed a keen interest There is a lot of talent emotion and good vibes sounding this genre. There is also an abundance of style, technique and individuality.
9) Where did you sell your first painting and how did it feel?
I have sold a number of paintings over the years to friends, neighbours and a few out of the blue sales. 'Fireworks' which was an abstract expressionistic artwork was my first serious sale for decent money. 'Fireworks' sold on an on-line art gallery within days of being shown. It felt amazing and I felt pride in myself and my artwork.
10) What other paintings are you planning for New Artist Fair in September?
I have not yet planned to start any more painting this summer as I currently have five paintings which I am working on. One of them 'London Heatwave' is inspired by a recent visit to the capital. I got to experience London with clear blue sky and glorious sunshine which illuminated the colourful and vibrant city. If I am happy with the end result I will bring it to the exhibition which I am looking forward to.
I have been painting and making art for over seven years now. A good friend bought me my first canvas and paints whilst out shopping in Glasgow, she suggested I try some painting as a way of relaxing and release stress. I have been painting ever since and find it a great release for my ideas and creative energies.
2) What genre best describes what you do?
It is not easy for me to define my style of art as I don't stick to one particular style. My art is often a spontaneous explosion of abstract expressionism mixed with experimental subconscious creation.
3) How has your artwork evolved since you began?
My art has evolved a lot since I first began painting. My first painting was some kind of abstract sunflower,it was flat and nothing much to it. Seven years on my art is full of colour, texture and feeling. I love to experiment with colours and I am constantly searching for new ways of applying paint to canvas.I am very pleased how my art has developed over the years and have learnt a lot purely experimenting with the possibilities of paint. I look forward to progressing further as an artist.
4) Is there a medium or technique that you have yet to try but would like to?
I mainly use acrylic paints as I feel I work well with them. I have used oil paints a few times and loved the result so I plan to use more in future art. Also I have never used glass paint and inks so want to experiment with these. I've seen artists who mix glass paint with acrylic which produced some amazing effects. I like exploring and creating new techniques.
5) What would your ideal solo exhibition be like and where would it be held?
There are many places I would like to exhibit my art, but I would loved to hold a solo exhibition at The Gallery of Modern Art in Glasgow. The gallery is in the heart of the city and is enjoyed by thousand of locals and tourist each year. I find Glasgow a beautiful city with a great atmosphere and energy which has been an inspiration to my art. I would also like to play apart in the ever growing Glasgow art scene.
6) What do you like most about the art world?
I like how the art world is so varied in so many ways. I find the art world a very curious and interesting place which is ever changing. The art world has so many possibilities and creations with a vast contrast of ideas,views and expression all portrayed through art. Like a lot of new artist I am only at the beginning of my artist career and look forward to exploring the fascinating world of art further and will continue to make the most of the opportunity's the art world brings my way.
7) What inspired you to create the painting 'The City'?
This is one of my favourite paintings and was a lot of fun to create. 'The City' was inspired by the hustle and bustle of big city life. I created this Artwork during Glasgow's festive madness, the explosion of colours symbolise this. Glasgow has a great vibe at Christmas and I like seeing the city centre filled with festive cheer and positive energy and wanted to capture this in a painting.
8) Which artists either historically or current, have influenced you the most?
I like artists that are highly individual with their artwork and artists with a distinctive style.I feel inspired by the works of Salvador Dali and really admire his eccentric and imaginative style. Dali's surrealist master pieces are fascinating and his vast artistic repertoire were amazing. For me Salvador Dali himself developed into a living work of art in his own right.
Some of my recent paintings have been influenced by unknown graffiti and street artist. The street art and graffiti scene is fairly new to me but I have developed a keen interest There is a lot of talent emotion and good vibes sounding this genre. There is also an abundance of style, technique and individuality.
9) Where did you sell your first painting and how did it feel?
I have sold a number of paintings over the years to friends, neighbours and a few out of the blue sales. 'Fireworks' which was an abstract expressionistic artwork was my first serious sale for decent money. 'Fireworks' sold on an on-line art gallery within days of being shown. It felt amazing and I felt pride in myself and my artwork.
10) What other paintings are you planning for New Artist Fair in September?
I have not yet planned to start any more painting this summer as I currently have five paintings which I am working on. One of them 'London Heatwave' is inspired by a recent visit to the capital. I got to experience London with clear blue sky and glorious sunshine which illuminated the colourful and vibrant city. If I am happy with the end result I will bring it to the exhibition which I am looking forward to.
