Art Into The Future

The exciting thing about being an emerging artist, is that it's down to you to anticipate how your work will fit in to a future world. There are current, mainstream artists whose work is everywhere, and their work is 'Art Now'. It's contemporary. Also, however, is the work being produced by today's emerging contemporary artists.

It's interesting to contemplate a future world, a future society, and how we as artists will shape that change. We shape it by dreaming it, by designing it, by painting it. What sort of future do we want?

Picture the scene. Feel the atmosphere. Just put it out there. Our thoughts create the reality we live in. 

My work is big, energetic, strong, colourful, vibrant, positive, playful and sensual. 

I envision a world where these are the qualities and characteristics promoted by a successful economy and culture. I do this because that's the reality I believe in, and as an artist I feel a resounding calling to manifest it. I believe in power, but one of celebration, not oppression. 

Preparing work for exhibition at The Island, Bristol, 2015

My Experience Of Working In The Studio

How would I describe my experience of being an artist, working in the studio?

Well, at times it's great. When I'm in the zone, focussed on my work, the music's playing and the world outside, and all the drama that's going on out there, just doesn't matter. The real drama is in the mind of the artist! It does at times however, get quite lonely. Dedicating your time to your vision, and how you feel how the world would benefit from your vision, is tough, it's a real slog, especially when much of the world outside the studio walls are none the wiser of your work let alone your existence. It's mentally and emotionally challenging, not to mention tiring and costly, but the way I see it, there are ups and downs in all of life's endeavours.

I think it's important to acquire a certain balance in life as an artist. When I'm not in the studio, I'm at home preparing ideas for new work, going out for long walks and catching up with other interests and activities. I believe this keeps you sane, and refreshed!





Working on a painting in the studio in 2015

Symbols And The Art Of Abstract Language

These prints are an additional thread of work I have recently been exploring. 

I started off by drawing several hundred symbols, completely spontaneously, then picked out several I felt had some kind of resonance.

I then had to learn how to do some basic screen printing. I also had to learn about the qualities of the paper and how the choice of paper affects the final outcome.

I became interested in the relationship between different symbols, in different colours.

I think abstract, symmetrical shapes are the most natural and simple forms of communication, as it is in art. Our own alphabet is composed of shapes, when assembled in to words communicate a vast complexity of meaning.

I became very interested in developing another language that could evoke interpretative concepts, and found that by doing so the means to describe new ideas and ways of thinking is infinite.

These are open to interpretation, but are in themselves playful yet sophisticated works to reflect on.

Silkscreen prints on Somerset Newsprint Velvet and Saunders Waterford archival paper,
Limited edition

These prints are available to buy on request. Click the link below for more on my website.http://www.markelliottsmith.co.uk/original-prints.html

Giclee Print In A New Home

Giclee print I sold recently, framed and looking great in a new home. 

From my original painting, 'The Cataclysmic Conundrum Of Undeterminable Forces' 

Giclee Print on smooth high white 100% cotton paper, 76.2 cm 

If you are interested in one of my prints, please take a look at my giclee print page on my website, 

http://www.markelliottsmith.co.uk/giclee-prints.html

All my Giclee prints are professionally printed at www.imagecentre.com

This is one of my larger prints, although  I am happy to discuss alternative sizes on request.

More intaglio collagraphs

Working from another plate, printing a new design based on the movement and elements of my paintings, variée edition of 10-15.

Intaglio Collagraph prints
Black on 190 gsm Saunders Waterford Paper

Intaglio Collagraph Printing

Tough day at work in the studio print room, inking up and wiping down the mount board plate ready for the the press.

Working towards a variée edition of prints, each one being a little different in resulting effect.

I love how through the process of printing, the outcome is so unique, depending on how much ink is on the plate at the time, how dry the paper is, or for whatever reason. 

These prints are based on elements influenced by my large scale, colour paintings in acrylic. These prints play with similar dynamics and visual characteristics, yet are more simplified and subtle.

Art Gemini Prize 2016

Me with my painting at the Art Gemini Prize in London last night. Very successful show, great to be part of it. See more of the exhibitors work at @artgeminiprize