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Welcome to our Artist of the Month feature for December, and congratulations to Simon Wild for being our selected artist.
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Hi Simon - can you tell us a little about yourself, and how you got started as an artist and photographer?
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Hi, I suppose you could say that I have been an artist all my life. I have always had a strong interest in all forms of art, whether it be painting, sculpture or photography. I found my calling as a teenager at Art College where I was exposed to the wide variety and history of art. Over the years I have developed my skills as an artist and I am now producing work that I am truly happy with. It was also at Art College that I first picked up a camera and used it for something other than snapshots. I have been a professional photographer for over 7 years now and have seen a lot change. I came to photography as the digital revolution started. On one hand it is sad that the “dark arts” of photography (which I personally enjoy) are becoming slowly lost, whereas on the other hand the digital revolution has opened numerous doors for new techniques and skills (which I also enjoy!!).
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What are you favourite subjects to paint or photograph?
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My paintings tend to be abstract, I don’t work from a specific subject. Instead I draw inspiration from things around me, whether it is shapes, colour or atmosphere. I don’t have a finished piece in mind when I start to paint, instead each painting is a journey inspired by every brush stroke.
I enjoy really gritty, dark photography. I find a lot of beauty around me in man-made subjects, such as cityscapes or derelict mills. Living in Yorkshire there are a lot of old mills that have been left empty for long periods of time, I love to photograph them now as they are so tranquil but at the same time a little eerie, a real contrast to their heyday.
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Do you have any advice for aspiring artists, or for those new to art?
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My advice to people new to art is just simply to immerse yourself in art. Enjoy looking at art, visiting galleries, speaking with established artists and when you are ready to start creating just experiment. I have always been a very practical person and feel you learn much more through experimenting with art than reading books. This enables you to work in a way that you enjoy and create your own style.
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What do you hope people see in your work?
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I hope people enjoy my artwork and have a chance to see the world through my eyes, just for a while. Most of my work is multi-layered and you can notice something new every time you come back to it. There are no hidden meanings, just simple beauty.
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Who are your favourite artists or photographers, and are there any works in particular which have inspired you?
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I have always enjoyed viewing other artists and photographers work and there is so much around that inspires me, from local photographers and artists to the big famous names. Robert Rauschenberg has always been a big influence on my art, I love the way he combines painting and photography. I am a big admirer of his 2D work and pieces such as Carnegie Hall, Retroactive I, Rebus, Ace, have had a strong influence on my work.
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What painting, photograph or work of art do you wish you had produced?
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Any of Rauschenberg’s 2D works, especially Estate, as this is one of my personal favourites.
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Apart from your portfolio at artfair365.co.uk, how do you promote your work - are you a member of any societies, and do you have any exhibitions planned?
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I promote myself through my website and various other art websites like artfair365.co.uk. I have had several successful exhibitions this year and I am currently working on some new pieces, so watch this space!!
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From your own portfolio, which are your favourite 3 artworks?
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My favourite three are Midnight Silence, Manhattan and The Forge.
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Click here to view Simon's portfolio.
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Click here to view our Artist of the Month for November - Sally Bassett.
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Click here to view our Artist of the Month for October - Bill Jackson.
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Click here to view our Artist of the Month for September - Maureen Greenwood.
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Click here to view our Artist of the Month for August - Cinzia Castellano.
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Click here to view our Artist of the Month for July - John Bird.
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Click here to view our Artist of the Month for June - Anthony Caruana.
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Click here to view our Artist of the Month for May - Clem Spencer.
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