October & November 2021 – Get Your Portraits
Get Your Portraits was our featured Artist for November 2021. The exhibition was available to view in the gallery from 16th October to 26th November. It is now available as a video exhibition on YouTube with music by Break Fate
We asked Get Your Portraits some questions about themselves and their artwork
When did you start making art?
As soon as I was able to hold a mark making implement. I remember as far back as being five years old and making art all day long. My nan helped me a lot at that age too.
What sort of art do you create? Has this changed over time?
I like to use mixed media, over the years I have used many mediums. When I studied Art and Design at college and Fine Art at university I explored painting, drawing, photography, video art, sculpture, installation and performance art. I like to explore a bit of everything.
My art is about perspective. I am fascinated by others and how we perceive each other and ourselves in a space. I am interested in how spaces manipulate how we feel or how we feel can manipulate how a space feels. Overall I think most artists have an element of psychology in their work. My job as a SENco also allows me to learn more about others and how they experience the world. Another reason I make art is because of how it makes me feel. I find it a very therapeutic process that makes the world around me dissolve for a little while; I need to make art.
What inspires you?
I am inspired by pop art, street art and tattoo art. However I am enjoy experiencing all kinds of art including modern and classic art. On my instagram #getyourportraits I follow so many amazing artists who also inspire me everyday. Some of my favorite artists are Yayoi Kusama, Levi Van Velu, James Rosenquist, Charlotte Timmons, Charles Uzzell Edwards, Boo Ritson, Van Gogh, Tim Fowler and many, many more.
What do you do if you’re not inspired?
I do not push myself to make art if I do not feel it. However sometimes I practice drawing what I see and then sometimes inspiration finds me from there. Going for a walk with a camera or going to a gallery can also generate inspiration. I think the best art comes from not forcing anything.
Where do you practice art?
I have a desk in my house that is full of art materials, it is near a large window and the wall behind is plain, I play loud music and go from there. When I’m using spray paint however I work in the garden.
Do you have any connections with the art community in Chelmsford?
I have only lived in Chelmsford for one year, unfortunately due to Covid I have not met many people yet. I have made use of the opportunities provided by ‘The Art Place’ in Chelmsford which has enabled me to show some of my recent work.
How often do you create?
I have been creating work on a weekly basis in the last year. However I am about to study at UCL therefore will not have as much time on my hands for the next year.
What’s the best thing about being an artist?
There are no rules and you can be who you want to be. When I was at university studying fine art and entering the studio was like walking into madness everyday and you don’t have to answer to anyone.
Where have you exhibited before?
As part of my degree I exhibited in Hertfordshire and at the Truman Brewery in London. I have also exhibited a few times since living in Chelmsford. I also have created artwork for a band called Break Fate, I drew them and printed it onto tote bags to sell at their gigs, this was a lot of fun.
Do you sell your work? If so, is it difficult to part with it?
Sometimes I sell work, I have sold a piece to an artist as I drew a portrait of him and he took a liking to it. I have also had the odd commission through my Instagram page. My Etsy page is what I mainly use to then sell the work. It is more cost effective to put the work on Etsy for a customer once I know they want the piece.
What superpower would you have and why?
If I could have a super power I always thought it would be to fly but actually I think it would be just to be super human. I have so many ideas and things I want to do but not always the energy to do it all! So I’d like that power to not need to stop and rest and not to get ill, so that I could achieve even more.
https://www.instagram.com/getyourportraits/
Website
https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Getyourportraits
https://linktr.ee/breakfateband
Take a look at our upcoming exhibitions and all of our past exhibitions.