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Abstract art often raises
more questions than
answers, so we invited
some fans of Simon’s work
to send in any questions
they might have about his
recent paintings. Here are
just five of our favourites:
What interests you most about painting?
I could answer this differently every day, but it’s all about the
textureat themoment. I’mfocusingonaddingaheavily sculptured
element to the work so I start out placing large amounts medium
down to dictate the direction I work in with the paint..
Has anything changed in your life recently as I think your
new work has been incredibly powerful?
We moved house about a year ago and with the fabulous location
being so close to the sea we get amazing vistas of sunrise and
sunset. We also watch storms roll in and the sea becoming totally
wild, so there’s inspiration right on my doorstep.
Does your subject matter reflect your mood?
Absolutely. Every day my work is a direct reflection of my mood,
from the colours I choose to the method I apply the paint with.
It really ebbs and flows, feverish to calm, so I try to use music to
focus my mind and create some harmony.
What is your preferred medium and why?
I’d say at the moment it’s oil due to the way the paint moves
around the canvas but that could easily change tomorrow. I’m
also into using inks and liquid acrylics in small amounts and am
currently exploring ways in which I can use texture to alter the
perception of the piece when it is viewed from different angles.
I know a lot of people including me have a strong emotional
reaction to your work. Do you?
Yes definitely. Because my personality is a big part of what I
paint, I do become incredibly emotionally connected to my work,
almost treating it as though it’s a living thing.