Where do you find inspiration?
I find the greatest inspirations from my every day life and photos from the past. Connection is what makes it special.
When I can, I like to take a moment to slow down and people watch for a bit. Sometimes all it takes is seeing the way someone goes on their tiptoes to grab cereal from the top shelf at the supermarket, or smelling something that reminds you of the past, and suddenly that light bulb flicks on. The ideas start to flow and it’s time to take notes.
Recently, my inspiration has been emerging moreso from the past. Old family photos, memories from before I was born, that could tell a million different stories but only the people in them know the full tale. The technology of the time gives the photographs this fuzzy, almost glowing, quality that I find so interesting and playing around with the composition on my canvas can lead to some very interesting outcomes. Working on these pieces also creates a sense of connection, me and the people I’m painting are going on a journey. I feel as though I know my granny better, having painted her holding my uncle as a baby. I feel I understand my mam in a new way, seeing her at my age enjoying time with her friends.
A big part of the fun with my paintings, for me, comes from the world building. Looking beyond the techniques and using the image I create as a starting point, or a focal point, of narratives I’ve formed in my own mind. Like I said, any number of stories can be derived from one image and I believe that’s part of the charm. Seeing my pieces in a gallery or online and sitting with them. Projecting your own ideas, placing the people from your own life inside. Where are they going? What have they done or will do? Does a painting from my family’s history remind you of your own?
The underlying theme is connection. From the food I paint to the people I illustrate, everything boils down to connection and that will never not be fulfilling. Reminiscing over childhood treats and hearing stories from people who have seen or purchased my work is one of the best parts of being an artist for me. Even the quiet connections, waving at the people on the train passing by or the shared joy of walking past someone walking their new puppy.
I’m always on the look out for those gentle reminders of humility and connection, which in turn inspires me. For the sake of our sanity, I think you should keep an eye out too.