Born and raised in South Devon Paul Elwick's work is influenced by music and cinema.
1) Which art movement do you consider most influential on your practice?
The one Peter York called 'Them', a group of artists who emerged in the late '60's, most notably Andrew Logan, Duggie Fields, Zandra Rhodes and Patrick Hughes.
2) Where do you go and when to make your best art?
I work in my home. The idea of an artist's studio, a place I go to like it's a job is depressing. I like having the pieces I'm currently working on in my home environment, then they are part of my life. In fact, I can lie in bed and look at my easel. I prefer working in the evenings and late at night, as there are fewer distractions.
3) How do you describe your 'creative process'?
The work evolves slowly, emerging from the surface organically, following half-remembered dreams and impulses. As a result, they offer the same possibility to the viewer, like gazing into a fire or a mirror.
Using more traditional, hand painting techniques, I often mimic an air-brushed quality, but without any attachment to perfectionism. This opens up a more playful and human sensibility in the face of machination.
I see my work as Queer, it contains mystery, struggle (to nail my colours to the world) and liberation ( from heteronormative values).
Welcoming mistakes, enjoying the enigma from which creativity flows~ these are my aims as I continue to paint. I seek to make the work more and more like itself.
4) Which artist, living or deceased, is the greatest inspiration to you?
Andrew Logan. Just seeing his work makes me feel great joy.
5) If you weren't an artist, what would you do?
I'd be a musician. Or if none of the arts is allowed, I'd have to throw myself at the mercy of the Job Centre.
6) What do you listen to for inspiration?
Silence. But I do listen to music, it is my primary source of inspiration and happiness in life. Mainly: Eno, Harold Budd, Dead Can Dance, Boards Of Canada, Kate Bush, Coil, Current 93, Ghost Box releases, Nico, Popol Vuh, Stars Of The Lid, Hildegard Von Bingen......
7) If you could own one artwork, and money was no object, which piece would you acquire?
An original piece of textile or wall-hanging by William Morris.
8) If your dream museum or collection owner came calling, which would it be?
Henry Boxer
9) What is your key piece of advice for artists embarking on a fine art or creative degree today?
I can't give advice to young artists, I left art school over 35 years ago...Love and Honour your work.
10) What is your favourite book of all time (fiction or non-fiction)?
"A Rebours (Against Nature)" by J.K. Huysmans
11) If you could hang or place your artwork in one non-traditional art setting, where would that be?
A shopping centre.
12) What was the biggest lesson your university course or time studying taught you?
All art courses ultimately are Fashion Design.
13) And finally, if we were to fast forward 10 years, where would we find you?
In my house, in my studio, painting, which overlooks a beautiful garden...wherever that may be.
