CH.89: If you were to categorize or describe the style of your artwork, what would it be and why?
RB: I am a contemporary painter working with mixed media, mostly on paper. My works are rich and layered, blending acrylic, oil, pigment, pastels and pencil to give rise to immersive art that pops off the page with each exaggerated, free-flowing line interrupting and interacting with the next. My work as immersive to view as it is for me to create, is full of decorative detail and has a sense of intuition over precision.
CH.89: Where do you draw your inspiration from?
RB: My friends call me a magpie, drawn to colour and detail that I take back to my nest and make my own. I love to think of my paintings in that way, full of treasures, and like collectibles. I paint freely and unstoppably, depicting scenes that ignite my imagination be that botanicals in full bloom or my treasured elephant collection. Looking beyond the subject I'm painting, what gives my work greater depth are the details I draw upon to bring my scenes to life. The intricate weave of a welsh blanket or playful patchwork quilting, handmade ceramics I've collected over time, and the colourful masonry of homes I've pottered past in Greece – these are all elements with which I decorate my artworks – a colossal memory bank of pattern and colour is raided with each and every painting.
CH.89: Can you talk a little bit about what your creative thought process is like when starting a new project/ piece of artwork?
RB: There's a spark in my mind and something will ignite my imagination. Usually I start painting my idea in my head, then I go from there. I love painting straight from an idea with impulse and it is very rare that I plan any painting, unless it's a commission or a collaboration. I just love going for it and seeing where my paintbrush takes me!
CH.89: Is there anything in particular that you would want people to take from your artwork?
RB: My number one aim - joy. If it makes the viewer smile my mission is complete! Artwork that I have collected at home makes me pause and take a moment, getting absorbed into their beauty and another world. I really hope that my works have the same impact on their owners.
CH.89: Can you talk a little bit about your lifestyle as an artist and what that is like?
RB: I work in my home studio a stones throw from a national nature reserve in the Surrey countryside, surrounded by nature. I'm a mother of two small children, so my day is sandwiched with the school run. I am very grateful that I have a job which works so well around my family. My working day usually consists of painting and admin tasks. Occasionally I make trips to London to galleries and exhibitions which is always fun and I love attending workshops to develop my practice.
CH.89: When starting out an artistic task, do you think it is better to have a particular direction/set plan guiding your way? Or, is it better to act on impulse and go from there?
RB: I personally like to act on impulse and that's usually what motivates me to paint. I find the unknown thrilling. However, there is a time and place for a plan, and when I work on commissions they always start with a mock up to show the client. The painting process that follows is then not as exhilarating but it's important to me to create a painting that will be loved by its owner and I get a lot of joy from that.
CH.89: What is one major lesson you've learned as an artist thus far?
RB: To go with my gut and ignore the negative voice in my head. Also, to try and not criticise my work whilst I'm still working on it; enjoy the journey my painting is taking me on.
CH.89: What do you consider to be the hardest thing about being an artist?
RB: Juggling all the jobs that need doing: painting, packaging, shipping, website admin, sales, PR, social media… the list goes on! It's tough to keep on top of everything, but I think there are pros and cons of every job in life, so it's just part of it.
CH.89: What is one thing you love about being an artist?
RB: When I am completely in the zone and absorbed in what I am creating. When I'm painting, I get this buzzy energy inside of me. It transfers from my hand to the paper, almost by-passing my brain completely, and flowing as naturally as the subjects I'm painting. I could paint for hours without stopping.
CH.89: Is there anyone in particular, any artist's that inspire you in any way?
RB: I am very drawn to Milton Avery's use of colour, especially how he added occasional pops of accent colour. He didn't follow rules, "I never have any rules to follow... I follow myself". As well as Avery, Emily Powell's practice has become a huge inspiration to me. In a workshop, she encouraged us to "paint like nobody is watching" and "let your paintings look after you". With this in mind, I am striving to place greater emphasis on connection, emotion and following my intuition in my own practice.
CH.89: What do you think of technology in terms of being a useful tool for artists today?
RB: I find it very useful but also very distracting. Without technology I wouldn't be able to share my work on social media. I also find it really handy when i'm struggling with a painting: I take a photo of my work on my phone and then edit it on the screen to test out different colours. Technology enables artists to sell their work right from their studio, so to me it is absolutely essential.
CH.89: Do you enjoy traveling? If so, do you have a favorite city?
RB: I love travelling. My favourite city is Venice but I really haven't been to many cities and prefer travelling to quiet places by the sea.
CH.89: Do you have a favorite author or book?
RB: I usually have a favourite book of the moment. At the moment it is 'Outside In' by garden designer, Sean Anthony Pritchard, and it's about a year of growing and displaying flowers. Flowers are my favourite subject to paint and I take a lot of inspiration from his magnificent floral displays, bringing the spirit of the garden into his home. I like to think my floral compositions do the same, by injecting nature into a room.
CH.89: Any future goals or plans for your artwork?
RB: For my work to spread joy and find its way in to more people's homes in the UK and further afield. I would absolutely love to exhibit my work in other countries - watch this space!
CH.89: What does being an artist mean to you?
CH.89: What's the last song you listened to?
RB: It means expressing myself, letting go, giving myself space, following my gut and being authentic.
RB: Nick Mulvey - Fever to the Form. I am going to see him live in June so he is on repeat!
CH.89: Any last words on the aesthetic of your artwork?
RB: I think to understand the depth and immersive nature of my work is to see it. Only then do you feel the whole process of my textured painting approach: gliding on ink and acrylic with my paintbrush, dusting a chalk pastel, squeezing and smearing oils and running my gooey pigment sticks, so vibrant and pure, across the page, abundant in detail and in complete colour harmony.
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