CORK LINED ROOMS

Where is your studio and how long have you been there? My studio is in London Fields, in SPACE’s Triangle building, it is the most beautiful studio I have had, with skylights and windows.  I just love walking in.

What is your earliest memory of art? I was taken to exhibitions by my Aunt Loretta throughout my childhood, and to the theatre.  She loved art so my first memories are of seeing exhibitions with her and of making little ‘art projects’ together.

If you could own any work of art, which would it be? Anything by Hieronymus Bosch.  

When and where are you happiest? With my family, at dinner, hearing about everyone’s day.

What is your greatest fear? That someone will tell me how it all ends; I want to be surprised.

What is your greatest extravagance? Moving to London and re-starting my life here. 

If you could ask one question and receive a true answer, what would that question be? Why?

Which natural gift would you most like to possess? Grace and agility, I am hopelessly uncoordinated.

What to your mind would be the greatest of misfortunes? Knowing my destiny.

What to your mind would be the greatest of fortunes? To live a long, healthy, happy life that is full of adventure. 

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? I can’t tell you, it’s a secret.

What is your favourite drink? Right now?  A dirty gin martini with extra olives.

What is your current state of mind? Turmoil.

Who is your favourite fictional hero? Owen Meany.

Who is your favourite fictional villain? I don’t like villains, fictional or otherwise.

If you had a superpower, what would it be? Perfect health.

Tell us a joke. I was raised by a Chicago Policeman, so almost all my jokes are inappropriate and socially unacceptable.

Which album, film and book would you take to a desert island? Hunky Dory, The English Patient and A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry.

What would your ‘death row’ meal be? Bouillabaisse, homemade bread with butter, and several bottles of wine.

Which artist do you think is most under-rated? There are too many for me to pick just one.

Which three historical figures would you like to have lunch with? Eleanor Roosevelt, David Bowie and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

What or who has been the biggest influence to your practice? Moving to London to study had a massive influence on my practice.

What would you do if you knew you could not fail? Parcour.

What is your motto? Keep going, try again.

(studio visit 2022)

Studio visit from 2018

Where is your studio and how long have you been there? It’s in Hackney Wick and I’ve been in my current space since 2013 or 14

If you could own any work of art, which would it be? I’m so greedy I can’t decide…. A Matisse, Sickert, Morandi or Klimt. Or work by Ellen Altfest, David Hockney, Agnes Martin, Lois Dodd. I think about this a lot and it changes all the time! 

When and where are you happiest? In late summer in a Devon field

What is your greatest fear? Losing my daughter

What is your greatest extravagance? Daydreaming

If you could ask one question and receive a true answer, what would that question be? Will the climate crisis be resolved? 

Which natural gift would you most like to possess? The ability to sing in tune

What to your mind would be the greatest of misfortunes? To unwantedly be alone

What to your mind would be the greatest of fortunes? To be able to paint everyday

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? To have a better memory

What is your favourite drink? Anything with bubbles in

What is your current state of mind? Cloudy

Who is your favourite fictional hero? Anne of Green Gables

If you had a superpower, what would it be? To fix anything

Tell us a joke. Why did the baker have brown fingers? Because he kneaded a poo

What would your ‘death row’ meal be? Tea and toast with butter and jam

If you were a world record breaker, what would it be for? Long rambling sentences

Which artist do you think is most under-rated? Mark Beldan

Which three historical figures would you like to have lunch with? Frida Kahlo, John Betjeman and Edouard Manet

What is your motto? I’ve got things to do

www.hannahbrown.info

London studio visit 2019. New studio visit coming soon in Glasgow 2023.

http://www.zoemendelson.co.uk/

Where is your studio and how long have you been there? My studio is both a room and an outdoor space in South London. I’ve been here for nearly nine years.

What is your earliest memory of art? Venetian glass walking sticks in Nottingham Castle Museum.

If you could own any work of art, which would it be? Lorenzetti’s The Allegory of Good and Bad Government fresco in the Palazzo Pubblico of Siena. Could you throw in the building as well?

When and where are you happiest? Now. Always now.

What is your greatest fear? Loved ones getting ill or dying.

If you could ask one question and receive a true answer, what would that question be? What is life like after death? (My husband died of Covid and I've just outlived my mother - she died at 61). I'm curious.

What is your greatest extravagance? Air travel.

Which natural gift would you most like to possess? The ability to keep bees alive (I’m a bee-tender).

What to your mind would be the greatest of misfortunes? A world without bees.

What to your mind would be the greatest of fortunes? Having complex and empathic understandings of our environments

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

Having the memory that I had when I was 30.

What is your favourite drink? Potable water (and a cheeky little Argentinian Chardonnay).

What is your current state of mind? Combobulated.

Who is your favourite fictional hero/heroine? Virginia Woolf’s Orlando. Both he and she.

Who is your favourite fictional villain? Javier Bardem as Raoul Silva in Skyfall. Compellingly scary. Very much ‘he’.

If you had a superpower, what would it be? Time-space travel.

Which album, film and book would you take to a desert island? What’s Going On (Marvin Gaye); Orlando (Sally Potter); Forgotten Skills of Cooking (Darina Allen).

What would your ‘death row’ meal be? Pescatarian tasting menu and matching wine at a chef’s table WD-50 in New York (sadly now closed).

Which three historical figures would you like to have lunch with? Mahatma Gandhi, Rosa Parks, Nelson Mandela. We’d talk about changing minds.

What or who has been the biggest influence to your practice? Impossible to say. It keeps evolving.

Who will play you in the film of your life? Angelica Huston.

What would you do if you knew you could not fail? Make a feature film.

https://www.edwinafitzpatrick.com/

Interview and images 2019

Where is your studio and how long have you been there? I’m at Chisenhale Studios and have been here since 2016.

What is your earliest memory of art? My grandmother was an artist; she painted in her studio at her house in Shaftesbury. Most of her paintings were of the English landscape though she also did illustrations for children’s stories. Towards the end of her life her paintings became quite loose and free, partly due to a cataract; I thought these were some of the best works she made.

If you could own any work of art, which would it be? Probably Philip Guston’s, The Studio (1969), or any other painting by him. I’d also love a Sigmar Polke.

When and where are you happiest? When I’m traveling - seeing new places, meeting new people, speaking other languages and in the sun.

What is your greatest fear? Falling.

What is your greatest extravagance? My work.

If you could ask one question and receive a true answer, what would that question be? It’d be a difficult question to ask and share, but it would be in relation to what my mum went through in the last months of her life.

Which natural gift would you most like to possess? Some kind of healing ability.

What to your mind would be the greatest of misfortunes? To live without seeing and traveling the world.

What to your mind would be the greatest of fortunes? I feel enormously fortunate already, but I’d love to travel with the love of my life whilst exhibiting in major galleries and museums around the world and to live together by the sea with a massive studio.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? My insomnia - from overthinking at night.

What is your favourite drink? Chai.

What is your current state of mind? Quite calm and focused…pondering over so many things these days, mostly on work and ways of assembling images.

Who is your favourite fictional hero? I was rather fond of Thing 1 and Thing 2! Dr. Seuss. Though I don’t know that you’d call them heroes! I was more interested in the mischievous characters.

Which album, film and book would you take to a desert island? Album: Anything by Boards of Canada. I could listen to them forever. Film: Baraka. Book: The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying.

What would your ‘death row’ meal be? I really love fresh, buffet style healthy options – grilled veggies, loads of colours, ayurvedic kinda food and a shit load of red wine! 

If you were a world record breaker, what would it be for? Indecisiveness…I think?

Which three historical figures would you like to have lunch with? William Morris, May Morris and Walter Benjamin. 

What or who has been the biggest influence to your practice? My Mum and the things she left.

Who will play you in the film of your life? Penelope Cruz apparently.

What is your motto? It’s not a motto as such but to live life to the fullest and love wholeheartedly, to be present, to say yes to things and have as much fun along the way.

http://www.dianataylor.co.uk/

Where is your studio and how long have you been there? SE18, just by the Thames Barrier. I have moved there in 2015. The views of the river are spectacular.

What is your earliest memory of art? A faded Joan Miro’ poster depicting what looked like a friendly alien.

If you could own any work of art, which would it be?   A large Betty Woodman installation, more specifically The Summer House from 2015. 

When and where are you happiest? When I am cuddling my cat Arturo and he is purring away like there is no tomorrow.

What is your greatest fear? To loose my beloved ginger cat Arturo.

What is your greatest extravagance? My work.

If you could ask one question and receive a true answer, what would that question be? I would like to know what people’s motivations are.  

Which natural gift would you most like to possess? Mindreading. Can’t wait till we are in 2080 when we all simply communicate telepathically.

What to your mind would be the greatest of fortunes? To find Arturo soon after loosing him.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? When I was six I wanted a new pair of elbows. Now I reckon I could do with a brand new spine.

What is your favourite drink? It changes according to season. As we are in Autumn I would opt for a full-bodied glass of red wine.

What is your current state of mind? I’m actually quite happy. It’s year 2080 and I am writing this interview on the palm of my hand. That’s how I know we all communicate telepathically.

Who is your favourite fictional hero?   Little Helper from the Donald Duck comics. Helper is a small, humanoid robot (about 20 cm tall), constructed from pieces of metal and a light bulb, which serves as his head. He acts as the assistant to the inventor Gyro Gearloose and is often shown as an inventor himself, sometimes copying Gyro's inventions. Little Helper never speaks, but occasionally uses thought bubbles. He enjoys chasing mice and helping Gyro clean up the unusual consequences of his inventions.  

Which album, film and book would you take to a desert island? JG Ballard’s autobiography, something very long such as the whole original series of Dynasty to keep me well entertained, and a mix tape from the 80’s.

What would your ‘death row’ meal be? Nutella crepes thank you.

If you were a world record breaker, what would it be for? Wallpapering at supersonic speed.

Which artist do you think is most under-rated? Alberto Panettone. He is an alter-ego of a person very dear to me and a formidable performer. 

What or who has been the biggest influence to your practice? Memphis. As much as I think my references are evolving I keep coming back to it.

Who will play you in the film of your life? Arturo. If he doesn’t want to I would ask Little Helper.

What would you do if you knew you could not fail? Dance in the streets manically. Often.

www.ludovicagioscia.com

Where is your studio and how long have you been there? As of 24th May 2017... Deptford/New Cross... been there 6 months-ish.

What is your earliest memory of art? Music… probably. Or textiles… patterns in rugs. I have memories of watching other people drawing, and sitting with them while they are drawing … like in silence… watching someone making marks with a pencil… the quietness and intensity… goosebumps!

If you could own any work of art, which would it be? Maybe… something by Kokoschka... an artist’s self-portrait… or Van Gogh.

When and where are you happiest? In transit.

What is your greatest fear? Stupidity.

What is your greatest extravagance? Sadly… Alcohol.

If you could ask one question and receive a true answer, what would that question be? Is the Universe infinite?

Which natural gift would you most like to possess? Perfect pitch… or photographic memory...

What to your mind would be the greatest of misfortunes? To be deaf, dumb and blind.

What to your mind would be the greatest of fortunes? Love.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? I would like to be less jealous.

What is your favourite drink? Beer.

What is your current state of mind? Distracted.

Who is your favourite fictional hero?  Spock.

Who is your favourite fictional villain? Darth Vader.

If you had a superpower, what would it be? Super-speed… up to and beyond that of light!

Which album, film and book would you take to a desert island? Aphex Twin - Richard D. James Ridley Scott - Blade Runner Gabriel García Márquez - One Hundred Years of Solitude

What would your ‘death row’ meal be? Fresh cockles in a Styrofoam cup… with vinegar… (with a walk on Stiffkey Saltmarsh)

If you were a world record breaker, what would it be for? Rudeness.

Which three historical figures would you like to have lunch with? Philip K. Dick, Arthur C. Clarke, Iain M. Banks.

What or who has been the biggest influence to your practice? Impatience. 

Who will play you in the film of your life? Tom Cruise. 

What would you do if you knew you could not fail? Make contact with an advanced, extra-galactic alien intelligence.

What is your motto? Every mark resets… so, no worries… just keep moving forward.

www.tomplatt.studio

Where is your studio and how long have you been there? My studio is with Acava in Cremer Street in Hoxton, I have been there 8 years. Sadly next year we will be evicted to make room for a hyperspace bypass.

What is your earliest memory of art? Aged six I made an enormous number of drawings attempting to depict every kind of animal. It’s the first time that I remember being totally taken over by the making of something. My mother complained I used up all our Siemens free notepads and threw the pictures away.

If you could own any work of art, which would it be? I’m going to be a capitalist about this and opt for Amedeo Modigliani’s Nu couché (1917), not because she’s so sexy but because the £113 million can buy me a really cool collection of contemporary art, plus a bit of china, fashion, antiques, real estate, that sort of thing.

When and where are you happiest? Summertime, jumping in a waterfall, surrounded by brilliant artists. This happened, honest!

What is your greatest fear? Becoming the Lady in the Van. The chances are actually quite high and modern Camden would deport me to a home up North with no heating.

What is your greatest extravagance? My studio.

If you could ask one question and receive a true answer, what would that question be? When will I die?

Which natural gift would you most like to possess? To write hit singles.

What to your mind would be the greatest of misfortunes? To lose my memory.

What to your mind would be the greatest of fortunes? To lose my memory.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? I’d like to be somebody who wastes less time.

What is your favourite drink? Nothing beats a cup of tea, if beer was my area of interest I’d have stayed in Munich.

What is your current state of mind? Excited by the multitude of possibilities that remaining alive has to offer.

Who is your favourite fictional hero? Margarita, from The Master and Margarita by Bulgakov. She combines romantic dedication to a feeble man with fierce energy and ingenuity to overcome a powerful one. And who wouldn’t want to ride naked on a broomstick across Moscow.

Who is your favourite fictional villain? The Snow Queen.

If you had a superpower, what would it be? Timetravel would be great. Or self-renewing cells…

Tell us a joke. This one is my sister’s joke, which is why I like it. A rabbi, an imam and a priest are on holiday together and decide to go swimming. It’s a beautiful sunny day, the place is deserted, so they go in without their clothes. As they are just coming out of the water, a huge tour bus pulls up and people start gathering on the beach. The priest and the imam both cover their crotch in deep embarrassment. The rabbi covers his eyes. The priest says ‘Hey, rabbi, why are you covering your eyes?’ He says, ‘Well I don’t know about you guys but they recognize me by my face.’

Which album, film and book would you take to a desert island? The Kinks, I imagine I’d be watching a lot of sunsets.  Koyaanisqatsi: Life Out of Balance (1982, D. Godfrey Reggio).  The boat builders hand book.

What would your ‘death row’ meal be? Free range roast chicken with all kinds of green vegetables, spinach, broccoli, leek, the full works followed by chocolate fondant cake with ice cream.

If you were a world record breaker, what would it be for? Not taking my own advice.

Which artist do you think is most under-rated? The female artist. Just saying.

Which three historical figures would you like to have lunch with? Catherine the Great, the Queen of Sheba and Cleopatra, but not at the same time because they’d only ignore me.

Who will play you in the film of your life? A young Audrey Hepburn would be perfect I think. Or Thora Hird.

What would you do if you knew you could not fail? Build on a grand scale.

www.lianelang.com

Where is your studio and how long have you been there? Currently I am working in the loft of my flat in Bow London.

What is your earliest memory of art? Dr. Suess.

If you could own any work of art, which would it be? Warhol’s Electric Chair.

When and where are you happiest? In the desert in America.

What is your greatest fear? Poltergeists.

What is your greatest extravagance? Taking too many black cabs eating at Nobu.

If you could ask one question and receive a true answer, what would that question be? Is Big Foot real?

Which natural gift would you most like to possess? Singing voice; I sound like a cat being run over by a lawn mower!

What to your mind would be the greatest of misfortunes? Having no passion for anything.

What to your mind would be the greatest of fortunes? Friendships.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? My Voice.

What is your favourite drink? Tomato juice.

What is your current state of mind? Happily Mad.

Who is your favourite fictional hero? Bugs Bunny.

Who is your favourite fictional villain? The Joker.

If you had a superpower, what would it be? Invisibility.

Tell us a joke. What did the 0 say to the 8? Answer: Nice Belt.

Which album, film and book would you take to a desert island? Johnny Cash Greatest Hits, Out of Africa, Green Eggs and Ham.

What would your ‘death row’ meal be? A huge rare steak with baked potato, sour cream, bacon bits and chives and broccoli.

If you were a world record breaker, what would it be for? Most beers drunk in one evening.

Which artist do you think is most under-rated? All of them.

Which three historical figures would you like to have lunch with? Dr Suess, Trotsky, Andy Warhol.

What or who has been the biggest influence to your practice? Natural History Museums.

Who will play you in the film of your life? Michael Fassbender (I wish).

What would you do if you knew you could not fail? Swim the English Channel.

What is your motto? Help Each Other.

http://dallasseitz.com 

Where is your studio and how long have you been there?  ACME, 165 Childers Street, Deptford, London, SE8 5JR. 5 Years. 

What is your earliest memory of art?  Poster paints on sugar paper.

If you could own any work of art, which would it be? Bliz-aard Ball Sale (1983) by David Hammons or a Jeff Koons Lobster.

What is your greatest fear? Being a bad mother (not to be confused with bad mutha).

What is your greatest extravagance? Pets, I have two dogs and a cat, but then maybe its tennis, I own three rackets.

Which natural gift would you most like to possess? To be able to sing with the effortless elegance and purity, think Whitney Houston (whilst dancing).  

What to your mind would be the greatest of misfortunes? Losing my child.

What to your mind would be the greatest of fortunes? Being content.

What is your favourite drink? Pol Roger, Blanc de Blancs, Vintage Champagne, bien sûr.

Who is your favourite fictional hero? Orestes and Lyra Belacqua ‘Silvertongue’.

Who is your favourite fictional villain? Diabolik (I have him tattooed on my arm).

If you had a superpower, what would it be? I would be able to fly and fast.

Tell us a joke. Snow White was feeling happy in bed! Happy got up.

Which album, film and book would you take to a desert island? My Family and Other Animals by Gerald Durrell, La Strada directed by Fellini and Jah Shaka’s Dub Symphony.

What would your ‘death row’ meal be?  Spaghetti all’aglio, olio e peproncino + a huge handful of parmesan, rocket salad, French macaroons washed down with Pol Roger + an opium pipe.

Which three historical figures would you like to have lunch with? Sigmund Freud and his wife Martha Bernays and her sister Minna B.

What or who has been the biggest influence to your practice? The pursuit of pleasure. 

What would you do if you knew you could not fail? If only that feeling truly existed…

What is your motto? Make love and listen to some music, you’ve got to let yourself go, go, go, go… ;-)

www.holly-stevenson.co.uk

Where is your studio and how long have you been there?  Space Studios, The Triangle, Mare Street, Hackney. 5 Years. 

What is your earliest memory of art?  When I was about 6, my parents took me to a Picasso exhibition. I saw his ‘Head of a Bull’ piece made from a bicycle saddle and handlebars for horns. I thought “I could do that!”  

If you could own any work of art, which would it be?  Something small… maybe Vermeer’s The Lacemaker, or Rembrandt’s The Flayed Ox.

When and where are you happiest? Probably when meditating, such as recently at a place called Jikoji in the Santa Cruz hills. 

What is your greatest fear?  Death. 

What is your greatest extravagance?  Could be cocktails. 

If you could ask one question and receive a true answer, what would that question be?  Something to do with the nature of the universe…? 

Which natural gift would you most like to possess?  A musical talent, such as Charlie Parker had with his saxophone. 

What to your mind would be the greatest of misfortunes?  Some kind of sudden disability, like loss of sight. 

What to your mind would be the greatest of fortunes?  Selling some work to a major institution, for a lot of money. 

What is your favourite drink? Margarita.

What is your current state of mind?  Calm and focussed. 

Who is your favourite fictional hero? Don Quixote. 

Who is your favourite fictional villain?  Leatherface. 

If you had a superpower, what would it be?  Something time related, like travel and stopping. 

Tell us a joke.  Pavarotti dies and goes to heaven. St. Peter at the gates says ‘just a moment’ and then… ‘Hey Jesus, here’s that tenner I owe you!’ 

Which album, film and book would you take to a desert island?  Currently John Cale, Paris 1919; Werner Herzog, Aguirre Wrath of God; Richard Brautigan, Dreaming of Babylon.  

Which three historical figures would you like to have lunch with?  How about Rembrandt, Goya and Picasso.

What or who has been the biggest influence to your practice?  Perhaps Paul Hedge from Hales Gallery, who challenged me to paint a newspaper clipping, coinciding with 9/11.

What is your motto? Treasure every moment.

http://hughmendes.com/

Where is your studio and how long have you been there? Hackney, London where I have been for 4 years, and a smaller studio that I recently built in my garden in Suffolk.

What is your earliest memory of art? Going to my elder sister’s playgroup aged somewhere between 2 and 3, where the children were all making a frieze together. We each stood in a tray of poster paint and then walked across a long roll of paper, and when we got to the other side we had to stand in a tray of soapy water and have our feet cleaned.

If you could own any work of art, which would it be?  A drawing by da Vinci in the Queen’s collection called “The hemisection of a man and a woman in the act of coition”.  

When and where are you happiest? When my baby daughter sticks her hand in my mouth and laughs hysterically at my teeth.

What is your greatest extravagance? The antique books that I draw in.

If you could ask one question and receive a true answer, what would that question be? What is the ultimate question?

Which natural gift would you most like to possess? The kind of natural oration that only Americans seem capable of.  

What to your mind would be the greatest of misfortunes? I am far too superstitious to say.

What is your favourite drink? Diet Coke.

What is your current state of mind? Sleep deprived.

Who is your favourite fictional hero? Virginia Woolf’s Orlando.

Who is your favourite fictional villain? Hans Gruber.

If you had a superpower, what would it be? Time travel.

Tell us a joke. How many surrealists does it take to change a light bulb? Fish.

Which album, film and book would you take to a desert island? Album: Sigur Rós – Takk  Film: Airplane! Book: David Raeburn’s translation of Ovid’s Metamorphoses.

What would your ‘death row’ meal be? A grilled cheese sandwich and a bottle of Veuve Clicquot.

Which artist do you think is most under-rated? Not under-rated, as such, but women in general are under-valued by the art market. It is a shocking statistic that, according to Bloomberg, over the past decade the world’s top ten female artists made £325m at auction in total, whilst in the same decade the top male artist, Gerhard Richter, made £812.5m by himself.

Which three historical figures would you like to have lunch with? Joan Mitchell, Diana Vreeland and Ray Eames.

What or who has been the biggest influence to your practice? Central Saint Martins.

Who will play you in the film of your life? Can I be animated by Hayao Miyazaki instead?

www.annmariejames.co.uk

Where is your studio and how long have you been there? Just near Chisenhale gallery, south of Victoria Park. I've been in the current studio 5-6 years.

What is your earliest memory of art? Making stuff out of clay at Camden Arts Centre in their childrens' art classes.

If you could own any work of art, which would it be? The version of The Battle of San Romano by Uccello in the National Gallery.

When and where are you happiest? In the park on our scooters with my daughter.

What is your greatest fear? That I had it all backwards.

What is your greatest extravagance? Nice socks.

If you could ask one question and receive a true answer, what would that question be? Why?

Which natural gift would you most like to possess? Telekinesis.

What to your mind would be the greatest of misfortunes? Anything happening to my wife or child.

What to your mind would be the greatest of fortunes? Everyone I love, and everyone else besides being joyful and healthy.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? Less angry, more patient.

What is your favourite drink? Chai.

What is your current state of mind? In many places at once.

Who is your favourite fictional hero? Valentine Michael Smith (Stranger in a Strange Land).

Who is your favourite fictional villain? Lucifer.

If you had a superpower, what would it be? Like ‘Cypher’ from the original 1980s Chris Claremont run on The New Mutants, I'd like to be able to speak any language ever invented or yet to be invented.

Tell us a joke. Why did the hedgehog cross the road? To visit his flat-mate.

Which album, film and book would you take to a desert island? Music from Big Pink - The Band Last Year in Marienbad - Alain Resnais Alone with the Alone - Henry Corbin

What would your ‘death row’ meal be? Dal, biryani, frijoles and ice cream.

If you were a world record breaker, what would it be for? Lack of sleep.

Which artist do you think is most under-rated? Hannah Wilke, Paul Nash, Anwar Jalal Shemza and plenty more besides.

Which three historical figures would you like to have lunch with?Wittgenstein, Hasan al Sabah and Edith Cavell.

What or who has been the biggest influence to your practice? My school art teacher.

Who will play you in the film of your life? Jeff Goldblum.

What would you do if you knew you could not fail? Fly.

What is your motto? Keep asking questions.

shezaddawood.com

Where is your studio and how long have you been there? Childers Street, Deptford, 9 years.

What is your earliest memory of art? A print of a Vermeer in the bedroom I would stay in at my grandparent’s magical house in Brighton, I stared at it for hours.

If you could own any work of art, which would it be?   A Joan Mitchell painting from the sixties, a big one.

When and where are you happiest? In a blue sea, somewhere hot.

What is your greatest fear? I don’t want to write it down, it is too horrible to contemplate.

What is your greatest extravagance? Clothes/shoes/whippet collars (really).

If you could ask one question and receive a true answer, what would that question be? What’s the cure for cancer?

Which natural gift would you most like to possess? To know how to always be kind.

What to your mind would be the greatest of misfortunes? To never be loved.

What to your mind would be the greatest of fortunes? A lifetime of happiness for my gorgeous son.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? To be stronger. 

What is your favourite drink? Champagne.

What is your current state of mind? Light, clear, a little vulnerable but optimistic.

Who is your favourite fictional hero? Snoopy.

Who is your favourite fictional villain? Anita Pallenberg in Barbarella.

If you had a superpower, what would it be? To be able to bring about world peace (may as well go for it).

Tell us a joke. How do you gather all hedgehogs in the world using only a matchbox? …. pull a match out of the matchbox, slide it in so it sticks out of the top, (red tip up) to mimic an aerial and say urgently “calling all hedgehogs, calling all hedgehogs!” in mock walkie talkie style.

Which album, film and book would you take to a desert island? Let it Bleed by the Rolling Stones, Performance by Nicolas Roeg, The Tao Te Ching.

What would your ‘death row’ meal be? Chips and gravy with lots of vinegar.

If you were a world record breaker, what would it be for? Sleeping (I'm really good at it).

Which artist do you think is most under-rated? Joan Mitchell (still, though it’s getting better).

Which three historical figures would you like to have lunch with? Doris Lessing, Charles Bukowski and my beautiful friend Anne Farley who passed away last year.

What or who has been the biggest influence to your practice? Life.

Who will play you in the film of your life? Charlotte Gainsbourg (in my dreams).

What would you do if you knew you could not fail? Paint.

What is your motto? To thine own self be true.

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Where is your studio and how long have you been there? Streatham Hill, almost ten years I think.

What is your earliest memory of art? I don’t have one in particular, it’s a bit like trying to remember your earliest memory of a book, or the TV. Nothing earth-shattering.

If you could own any work of art, which would it be?  The Battle between Carnival and Lent, by Pieter Bruegel the Elder.

When and where are you happiest? In the studio and/or in bed.

What is your greatest fear? I try not to think about it.

What is your greatest extravagance? Art materials, especially unusual pigments, dried plants and minerals.

If you could ask one question and receive a true answer, what would that question be? It is always useful to have honest responses about your work.

Which natural gift would you most like to possess? I was about to say teleportation, but I just realised that isn’t ‘natural’, so I’ll say to run really fast like Cheetara out of Thundercats.

What to your mind would be the greatest of misfortunes? Never to love or be loved.

What to your mind would be the greatest of fortunes? To love and be loved (the same person of course).

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? My impatience and the fact that I’m a horrible person when I’m hungry.

What is your favourite drink? Coffee or Beer, depending on the time of day and task at hand.

What is your current state of mind? Between places.

Who is your favourite fictional hero? Cheetara out of Thundercats.

Who is your favourite fictional villain? Francis Underwood out of House of cards - although he’s maybe not fictional enough.

If you had a superpower, what would it be? Ok, now I get to say it – teleportation!

Tell us a joke. I know a surrealist one – what is the difference between a duck? One of its legs is both the same.

Which album, film and book would you take to a desert island? Album: Dedicado a Antonio Machado, poeta by Joan Manuel Serrat; Book: Shakespeare’s The Tempest to get into the desert island vibe; Film: Cave of Forgotten Dreams by Werner Herzog.

What would your ‘death row’ meal be? I doubt I would be very hungry - maybe some fugu sashimi so I had a chance of dying before hand and thwarting the authorities. 

Which artist do you think is most under-rated? I think the vast majority of artists are under-rated, but in this instance I’m going to say Neal Jones, who paints in a shed on his allotment.

Which three historical figures would you like to have lunch with? Breughel, Van Gogh, and Malevich. Let’s talk about painting peasants.

What or who has been the biggest influence to your practice? It’s hard to pick one thing, but reading Phillip Ball’s Bright Earth, a book on the chemistry of pigments, was a really important moment.

Who will play you in the film of your life? Steve Buscemi.

What would you do if you knew you could not fail? Sing.

What is your motto? Just because I’m a hypocrite, doesn’t mean I’m wrong.

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Where is your studio and how long have you been there? In Brighton for about 9 months. This is my 8th studio since New York and 16th since 1995 (I moved to New York in 2008 and returned to London in 2012). I like it here, but it feels like an interim. I’ve already spotted a building I want to go to after this one... I’ve always been a bit of nomad.

If you could own any work of art, which would it be? I have quite a long and extensive shopping list. Glenn Brown’s ‘Sex’ 2003 would be on the top of that list.

When and where are you happiest? Cuddling up and luxuriating with Louie the cat.

What is your greatest fear?  Loss of sight and hearing.

What is your greatest extravagance?  Freedom, but it comes with a considerable price.

If you could ask one question and receive a true answer, what would that question be?  What would be the game changer?

Which natural gift would you most like to possess?  An ability to create and perform totally utterly awesome music which moves, spellbinds and changes people.

What to your mind would be the greatest of misfortunes?  Not to be able to appreciate...

What to your mind would be the greatest of fortunes? To be able to appreciate.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?  I’d like to be at least 6’ tall.

What is your current state of mind? Dithering...

Who is your favourite fictional hero? Buffy.

Who is your favourite fictional villain? Spike. But he is also my hero (Season 7).

If you had a superpower, what would it be? Mind control.

Which album, film and book would you take to a desert island? Well, this really is a tricky one. It would have to be ‘Let Love In’, by Nick Cave, with ‘Ship Song’ as an extra bonus track. Can I take a box-set instead of a film? If so, ‘Mighty Boosh’ please. Need a laugh on a desert island. Book will be ‘The Goldfinch’ by Dona Tartt.

What would your ‘death row’ meal be? Can you take me to ‘Masa’ or ‘Per Se’ in New York? Failing that, dark chocolate with red wine.

If you were a world record breaker, what would it be for? As the one who uses the most brush strokes (for blending, blurring and feathering) to make a painting.

Which artist do you think is most under-rated? At the moment, I think it’s Josh T Pearson.

What or who has been the biggest influence to your practice? Being at Goldsmiths MA during the early 90‘s and Gerard Hemsworth.

What would you do if you knew you could not fail? Start a band.

What is your motto? Used to be something along the lines of ‘Better to regret things you have done than things you haven’t’ and ‘The biggest pleasure in life is doing what people say you can’t do.’ But I’ve fallen flat on my face, by taking a leap of faith, a few times and when that happens it sets me back a few years. So now I’m not so sure these are such good mottos...

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Where is your studio and how long have you been there? In Copperfield Acme Studios in Mile End in London. I’ve been working there since March 2014.

What is your earliest memory of art? My Dad’s love for paintings by Jan van Eyck.

If you could own any work of art, which would it be? ‘The Battle of San Romano’ by Uccello. Nothing cheers me up as well.

When and where are you happiest? Halfway distance between my home and my studio.

What is your greatest extravagance? Being an artist.

If you could ask one question and receive a true answer, what would that question be? Is there God?

Which natural gift would you most like to possess? Amazing singing voice, which would allow me to sing all day long and annoy everyone around me.

What is your favourite drink? Wine after 9 months of abstention...

Who is your favourite fictional villain? The Devil from the tales by Grimm’s Brothers.

Which album, film and book would you take to a desert island? ‘Fanny and Alexander’ directed by Bergman, and ‘The Master and Margarita’ written by Bulhakov. No albums.

What would your ‘death row’ meal be? Chips, oysters and wine.

If you were a world record breaker, what would it be for? Staring through the window.

What to your mind would be the greatest of misfortunes? I am scared to consider that.

What to your mind would be the greatest of fortunes? I am even more scared to think about that.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? Getting rid of my impatience. Focusing more on the present. Although it could mean that I would never do anything again.

Which artist do you think is most under-rated? Too many. I guess it is changing daily.

Which three historical figures would you like to have lunch with? Madame du Pompadour, Catherine the Great and Sigmund Freud.

What or who has been the biggest influence to your practice? People I am growing up and old with.

What would you do if you knew you could not fail? Move to a very remote location and try to survive with a minimum of civilization.

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