Today we have the talented Artist/Graphic Designer Griff. I absolutely love his style of work and had to share it with you! He draws on just about anything and you can’t not like his work!
Enjoy!
- Interview
Welcome to the Design Blog Griff!
Tell us… How did you get into Art?
By accident really, I always drew but never anything more then just doodles on school books or scraps of paper i never showed anybody and kept in a huge file. I was a football coach and was working in America when i met a girl who made me think about what I was doing and how happy it made me. She supported me into something that was totally new to me and it went from there. Now im at uni studying graphic design and am constantly working on many random bits and pieces. It worked out pretty cool!
What does art mean to you?
To me art is about making people think about what they are looking at, and weather or not they understand it; but at the same time its about being able to understand the process that was involved with creating it. I like people to be able to touch my art, I hate that when you go to galleries you cant touch stuff.
Where do the images come from that you draw/paint?
They come from everything I see and have seen. It’s just the way that I see the world, just the way that I explain what goes on around me. . . some people paint beautiful realistic images of what they see, I just draw stuff on things.
What is your inspiration for these images you create?
When i look at a blank space i can already see how it will look when its finished. . . from there I just roll with it. . . working with my mistakes and going with the flow of the piece. Sometimes I can draw one line and not be happy about it, so then i will leave the canvas somewhere where i can see it and as I look at it from different perspectives everyday then the ideas change to the point where I feel happy enough to carry on.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I’ll be 30 and thats scary. . .haha but on a serious note having finished my degree I would like to start a design company and be working both personally and professionally – doing something I LOVE everyday.
What drives you/gives you the ‘go’ to keep at it and do everything?
The fact that to me none of it is work, and ive never see it as work. Also I’m a nightmare for seeing and touching everything that I can. My inspirations come from people on the bus to stuff on tv or the weather. Once i saw a fish that had the most amazing colours so the next day woke up and painted a canvas with that fish in mind. it was the first canvas anyone asked me for.
Can you recall the first painting/drawing that you created that made you go WOW!?
Not one specific piece but I remember a time where I started to draw with every chance I got, and when I started carrying a small sketchbook round with me all the time to be ready when inspiration arrived unexpectedly. It happened really quickly and I just couldnt stop at times, but I think I can contribute that to where my style has developed from. It was an ideas period and I just went with what felt right then and there
What is the most memorable painting/drawing that you have done and why?
The first one I did on canvas I think. It was for my ex girlfriend and I did it as a christmas present. She was the one who really helped me make the move from giving up the coaching and getting into art seriously. She also bought me alot of my stuff that got me started. So I owe her alot because of that. Cheers Siany!
Does fame attract you?
Fame? Not so much, but I think the definitions of fame have become blurred these days and thats changed things. Success might be a different story though? I guess for me recognition for my work would just be enough and as long as I am happy I will just keep going.
How do you rate yourself as an artist?
As an artist, I would say I am a nightmare. I’m a perfectionist and always have the finished article in mind so sometimes it causes conflict between me and the part of me that holds the pen. . .
What makes a good artist?
Someone with ideas, open to many things, but ultimetly someone with conviction as you have to have faith in what your giving to the world, well thats how I see it.
Do you paint or draw on anything else apart from canvases/on paper?
Yeah. . . recently I’ve worked on a laptop and on a tropicana carton, and I’ve been making stickers too. i also do some digital stuff as well as that I will pretty much draw on anything that cant run away from me.
Can we buy your artwork? If yes, where from?
You can buy it from me. . . just say hello on facebook or email me and we can sort something out. . . also I dont mind trading with people for interesting things. . .
Three words to describe yourself?
This is a hard one. . . so I will go with, I’m just Griff
Hobbies and other interests?
Football, music, xbox, reading about things I dont understand, art, film, abit of cooking.
Favourite artist?
Ah. . . tough one as there are so many who stand out for various different reasons, but I think on a whole Alex Pardee because his work just does it for me
Any Tips and tricks you want to share with aspiring artists?
Just do it. . . on anything!
Don’t think about it and create an idea about what your doing, and why you are doing it. From there develop a style
Tools of the trade?
Posca paint markers, sharpies, ink, spray paint, and anything else that will leave a mark on anything else!
Best and worst painting you have done?
There has been a few that stick out. . . but if I finish something I’m not happy with then I paint over them and start again. . . but as for my best then I would have to say a painting I did recently for some friends of mine in America, as I think its the best reception one of my paintings has ever had. . .
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Contact Info
Email: still_griff@hotmail.com
Website: http://www.flickr.com/photos/justgriff/
Facebook Profile Link: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?ref=profile&id=661415712
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Some of Griff’s amazing creations!
