art = happy

I was totally obsessed with this painting growing up.  So much so, that my mother even let me paint my bedroom walls in the same electric blue that is in the painting.  Worth another visit to the Tate, tell her I said hi.

Weeping Woman (Femme en pleurs), 1937, Pablo Picasso 1881-1973

Tate collection

art = inspiration = happy

Firstly, let me put this in context. I grew up on horror films. As a kid my first memory was being sat in front of the television, watching Friday the 13th with my babysitter. Growing up, horror films from the 70s and early 80s were my thing. I knew them all.

You either love horror films or you hate them. I fall in to the love category. As an artist myself, there is something very appealing about these films and the directors, and their complete freedom to express themselves and let their creativity run wild. There are no rules in horror.

Over the years these films have been one of the biggest influences of my life. Yes, there were always artists that I obsessed about. Picasso, Magritte, Waterhouse, Lichtenstein, the list goes on…

But one artist stayed with me: Mr Dario Argento. The first film I saw of his was Suspiria. I was completely blown away by the colours of the film and the creativity of the director. Dario Argento priority is not about writing a perfect script, or bringing out amazing skills in his actors. His message is clear, its about creating the perfect, original shot. And that is what I love.

You may see these films as violent, aggressive, d-grade trash. All I see is freedom at it’s finest.

art = inspiration = happy

One of my favourite photos ever.  I have this in my bathroom.  His work is so beatuiful.

Sir Cecil Beaton, Self portrait c. 1930
British, 1904 - 1980