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Sketchpad Artist: Oliver Lancaster

Sketchpad Artist: Oliver Lancaster

Oliver Lancaster is one of the twenty artists who has created a cover design for our 2016 - 2018 sketchpad collection. Oliver was selected by Outhouse after creating a mural for them. We caught up with Oliver to find out more about him.

Tell us a bit about the idea behind your sketchbook cover?

My design features a shouting man, the model is a friend of mine and the photo was taken in quite an intense time and place for the both of us. Pasted across the top are the 'eyes' sticker, always looking to the left. The whole piece is a subversion of portraiture advertising.

How did you get involved with Outhouse?

I lived just along the road from Outhouse for a few years and enjoyed seeing the rotating artworks. I think I just badgered the staff at Fred Aldous to find out if I could come and paint too!

How would you describe your work?

Most of my personal work is based on hand drawn typography and doodle like illustrations switching from very bold and simple work to extremely intricate and layered work the subject matter in both being a record of the world around me at that moment.

What inspires you?

My thoughts, music (particularly Hip Hop), films, TV, love, intoxicants, conversation and advertising/signage are my main points of inspiration; whatever is happening around me at the time I am aiming to capture.

Who is your favourite artist or maker?

These days I see so many images a day through the internet and other media that it makes it really hard to single out a few as there are so many brilliant creative people out there. I think people who most inspire me are local artists, friends and family who just make work for the love of it and I interact with and get to see their work evolve. BOARS, Toby Walshaw, Peter O'Toole, Deadwreck3000, Krek, Rich Taylor, Mikk Murray, Cei Willis, goodchild and many more. In the wider world I think Matisse was a genius whose work resonates with me particularly, David Shrigley, Horfee, Jersey Joe, Faile, Os Gemeos etc.

%27Smoke Break%27 Please Come. Exhibition photos. Oliver Lancaster Smith www.oliverlancaster.co (1)

What materials do you use?

I like to work in a wide range of techniques and styles from day to day, working this way keeps me on my toes. I will work with pen and paper and computer daily but also do much work in collage, 3d, painting, murals, textiles and more.

What is your favourite piece of work that you have made?

Some of my sculptural pieces and detailed collages are my favourite, however I would also hold a rough scribble on a napkin as equally valuable as much of my work focuses on the idea and not the execution.

What exhibition or art event have you been to recently that you think is worth shouting about and why?

I saw the Matisse papercut exhibit at the Tate modern which was particularly notable for me and was an extensive show, also recently saw a show on Tibetan Buddhist art at the Wellcome collection which was great. Unfortunately I missed the private view but I hope to see the current show from KAWS at the YSP.

Do you have any advice for artists starting out?

Practice, practice, practice! Just experiment and be as free as you can, make mistakes constantly, don't be precious. Also collaboration in all aspects is important - get in group shows, collab with other artists, or even just work in a room with other people, other artists, live music. Talk to people about your work, about theirs, it will build excitement and mutual inspiration. What tip would you give to people about one of our products?

As I mentioned I tend to work in a wide variety of materials on a daily basis, so many times I would be buying 4 or 5 different items, so I can't really recommend just one! the great thing is Fred Aldous really has a huge range of materials and the quality is all high.

Where can people see your work? Do you have a website?

My website is www.oliverlancaster.co.uk it is currently getting updated with loads of new work. I have twitter and facebook however the best way to see my work is via my Iinstagram @oliverlancaster which has the most current work and regular updates.

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