Tell me a little bit about your education in art and design?
I first went to college when I was 20 years old and dropped out in the first year. I think I was just too immature at the time. Then I worked for a while and went back to college when I was 25. I did my diploma in graphic design because originally I wanted to be a graphic designer.
What happened after that?
After I left college I had been constantly applying for graphic design work but not getting any. But while I was applying for those jobs I was doing freelance illustration work, prints and exhibitions. Currently it's quite similar but developed, now I'm focusing on freelance work, exhibitions, teaching and stuff like that.
How do you get inspired and how does it influence your work?
I'm inspired a lot by the flea market around the corner. I love it because it's pretty unique. I'm inspired a lot by beautiful decay, so things like finding a fake toy, a mis spelt or rusty old weathered sign inspires me a lot. And I think this inspiration shows in the gritty aesthetics of my work.
What do you think about the process of working analogue?
I have a deep love for the analogue and it's really satisfying for the soul. I also just feel much more comfortable working analogue. For example when I'm drawing something I prefer doing it by hand instead of using a Wacom Tablet. I also like the aesthetic of it. There's nothing wrong with digital but I'm personally more drawn to organic, analogue work.
Do you also use the internet to get inspiration?
Yeah, the internet is great. I used to visit websites like ffffound or Pinterest which worked for me for quite some time. But those sites haven't been as easy and fluid to use recently. The last couple of years I use Instagram a lot because it's easy to follow people you like and seeing what interests them.
The full interview is available in the printed issue of Point of View.
- Hackney Flea Market, 14th february 2015
- FFFFOUND! is a web service that not only allows the users to post and share their favorite images found on the web, but also dynamically recommends each user's tastes and interests for an inspirational image-bookmarking experience!