In this blog we talk to our artist George Hutton Hunter from Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
Please describe your artwork style
I don’t have any particular style, though I would say, colourful! I like the interaction of colours and shapes. I think that each individual piece of artwork may be suitable for different styles, thus I like to experiment with them.
What’s your background?
PhD Information Science, MSc Information Systems, BSc Zoology, BA Open, Post Grad European Humanities, Teaching Certificate, Clinical Herbalism Certificate. Worked in Information Analysis for many years.
How long have you been an artist?
12 years.
Who or what are your biggest influences?
Van Gogh, Matisse, Hokusai, Munch, Derain, Kalla, Hundertwasser, Wu Guangzong.
How have you developed your career?
I don’t really see it as a career as it would take the joy out of my creative processes, although, I have joined online groups and selling websites around the world and advertised my website online and sometimes in newspapers.
Which current art world trends are you following?
I do not follow any trends whether it be art or anything else. I do my own thing!
Where do you create your work?
At home, mostly in my kitchen, on the tiled benches as they’re easy to clean.
What do you feel is the role of the artist in society?
I think that the artist has no greater role in society than anyone else. The artist should just do their own thing and if people like or dislike their work, well that’s their prerogative. If some wish to promote an artist’s work that is also their prerogative.
What techniques / mediums do you use?
I mainly paint with aerosol spray paint or acrylics and sometimes oils, inks, watercolours, mixed media, plus glass paint on sheet glass. I also draw using oil and chalk pastels plus watercolour pencils. I use a variety of objects to paint such as blocks of wood, strips of paper, bit of plastic, my fingers and brushes. I always have music playing when (sometimes I even dance to the music) while I’m painting, as it keeps me in the mood of that particular artistic piece.
Which is more important to you, the subject of your painting, or the way it is executed?
Both are of equal important. I choose a subject and if I don’t execute it as I wish, then I will try again until I am satisfied with its execution. This may not be immediately as I may leave it until I’m in the same mood again to complete the work.
How do you feel when you are letting your emotions loose on the canvas?
Well, mostly happy, as I enjoy my artwork. As I have mentioned I usually have music playing and sometimes I even stop to do a bit of dancing to the sounds.
What project are you working on now?
I’m spending more time writing a novel but when the inspiration hits me again, I’ll suspend that and create whatever artwork has come into my mind, be it a painting or a piece of sculpture.
Any current or up-coming exhibitions?
I no longer make my work available for exhibition unless it can be shown digitally, as preparing and delivering for an exhibition is not something I enjoy. In these times, more people can see your work online.
Where do you find your ideas for your work?
My ideas are inspired by everything that surrounds me, basically the world, be it TV, walking around, reading, anything really.
Is there an artwork you are most proud of?Why?
I think being proud of something is not the kind of quality to which I subscribe. I think that it’s too much like an ego trip. I am satisfied with all my artworks or I wouldn’t publish them on my website or allow their purchase.
How do you know when a work is finished?
When I feel emotionally and technically satisfied. I look at the work, photograph it and when I can say to myself ‘Yes’, then the work is complete.
What is your most important artist tool?
Is there something you can’t live without in your studio? I think it would be rather difficult for me to create most of my artwork without brushes.
Is there an element of art you enjoy working with most? Why?
Not really. Sometimes I like acrylics and other its’ spray paint or even some other medium. It just depends on what I’m creating at that moment.
To see more of George's work click here: www.ghunterartist.co.uk
