CDG December artist of the month
Meet December's artist of the month Darragh Powell, exhibiting with CDG since Spring 2013. His unique style of surreality combined with folk lore and love of film creates eerily beautiful paintings.
Name:Darragh Powell
Discipline:Visual Artist
Age:mid thirties!
Where do you live: Like a yo-yo between France and London.
Where did you study:Croydon College, UK (BA) & The Clermont-Ferrand School of Fine Arts, France (MA).
Life ambition:To be a successful and respected artist.
Who, or what is your greatest influence on your life and art?
Everything I see and hear can influence me. Places I go, people I meet. Generally speaking I'm more inspired by cinema, music, photography, nature and my environment than I am by looking at other art.
Who is your favourite artist at the moment?
Probably Sonia Stanyard, her beautifully dark scenes of nature with elements of man-made structures. I'm also a big fan of Edward Hopper and Rene Magritte.
Describe a typical day in the studio in no more than 5 words.
Coffee, music, plan, paint, repeat.
Spontaneity or planning?
It all starts with a good plan and quickly spirals into organised chaos and experimentation!
What do you do in the event of a creative block?
I often go for walks. Simply watching a film or listening to a song can give me an idea for a painting.
Do you have a favourite piece of your own work?
Difficult question. Probably a piece which was sold called 'The Hunter will become the hunted.' An unsold favourite would be 'Inertia Creeps.'
What is the most challenging aspect of your work?
I'd say finding new ways of working, experimenting with new media whilst maintaining the cohesiveness of my work.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years time?
Wherever I am I hope to be painting, always improving my technique and working towards several big solo shows!
Please recommend one piece of essential reading.
Full Dark House by Christopher Fowler. A thrilling mystery packed full of London lore told in a unique style.
If you could time travel to one era or event, when would you choose?
The 1960's or February 1994 to witness one of Nirvana's last ever shows. I still have my ticket for the Brixton show that never took place...
Tea or Coffee?
Tea in England, coffee in France.
Who would be your dream dinner guest?
Kurt Cobain, a real artist in my opinion. For someone living then Russell Brand with his unique style of humour and open minded conversation.
What super power would you have for a day?
I like the idea of flight however the ability to stop time would be fantastic (and very handy) as seen in the film Cashback (2006). I could get so much work done, learn new skills and have time to party (or relax)!
What are you listening to at the moment?
A band from southern England called 'Devil Sold His Soul.' Unique sounding, they break down the boundaries of post-hardcore and metal with beautiful ambient sounds to create epic and inspirational soundscapes.
Darragh Powell will be exhibiting in The Present, 9th December - 30th January 2014.
Check out his new work here.