CH.89: If you were to categorize or describe the style of your artwork, what would it be and why?
TAS: I would describe it as contemporary abstract art, as a lot of the pieces are created through digital media that concentrate on abstracted shapes and forms within compositions.
CH.89: Where do you draw your inspiration from?
TAS: The majority of my inspiration comes from natural environments and music!
CH.89: Can you talk a little bit about what your creative thought process is like when starting a new project/ piece of artwork?
TAS: A lot of my art is created through pure intuition. So usually when starting a new piece of work, I’m thinking about color schemes, how I can switch up what I’ve previously done, or what I may have seen recently that grabbed my attention and how I’d like to re-appropriate that into a composition.
CH.89: Is there anything in particular that you would want people to take from your artwork?
TAS: I really enjoy making abstract art because sometimes it doesn’t necessarily have a linear message and that allows each individual to take something unique from it when they see it. I think abstractions can be quite revolutionary in a way, as they can encourage people to think a lot differently.
CH.89: Can you talk a little bit about your lifestyle as an artist and what that is like?
TAS: I recently moved house with my partner and have set up a shared studio in the spare room. I finally have my own desk and space to get messy now, which is lovely. It’s pretty chilled out! We’ve got a good collection of plants too, it all helps me get inspired.
CH.89: When starting out an artistic task, do you think it is better to have a particular direction/set plan guiding your way? Or, is it better to act on impulse and go from there?
TAS: I always act on impulse, unless the task is very particular and needs to communicate in a very specific way. I usually find that limitations can give me a creative block and end up with outcomes that just don’t feel right.
CH.89: What is one major lesson you’ve learned as an artist thus far?
TAS: To persevere through the rough patches!
CH.89: Do you regard personal style & taste to be of highest importance?
TAS: When it comes to art, I think personal style is very important, it’s your unique selling point. Generally in life; however, perhaps not so much.
CH.89: What do you consider to be the hardest thing about being an artist?
TAS: The unrealistic expectations that people have of artists. For instance, creating work for ridiculous deadlines, or assuming we have loads of different technical skills and can produce loads of different styles.
CH.89: What is one thing you love about being an artist?
TAS: Simply being able to create! Nothing really beats that!
CH.89: Is there anyone in particular, any artist’s that inspire you in any way?
TAS: Soooo many people inspire me, but some of my favorite artists are Atelier Bingo (Maxime Prou & Adèle Favreau), Charlie Coatney, Sarah Fennell and the great Matisse.
CH.89: What do you think of technology in terms of being a useful tool for artists today?
TAS: I think technology is really brilliant for multiple reasons. It can allow artists to disseminate their work quickly and efficiently to an online audience. It can also help in the process of printing as well, whether that be screen printing, risography, textile printing, product printing, etc. However, I still appreciate a physical piece of artwork more than seeing something on screen, it loses dimension and tactility as a digital image.
CH.89: Do you think being an artist allows you to view the world differently from those who don’t follow creative paths?
TAS: I definitely think so, it’s really nice to be able to source positive and inspiring aspects of life that may be overlooked or missed when not seeing things creatively.
CH.89: Do you enjoy travelling? If so, do you have a favorite city?
TAS: I haven’t really been able to travel that much due to all the expenses, although I’m planning on visiting Amsterdam with my partner soon. I love where I live though, so for the time being, Norwich is my favorite city.
CH.89: Do you have a favorite author or book?
TAS: Beyond the Deepwoods by Chris Riddell and Paul Stewart
CH.89: Any future goals or plans for your artwork?
TAS: I’d like to do more printmaking and perhaps start my own brand or studio. I think it’s getting to a point where I need a big project to preoccupy me!
CH.89: What does being an artist mean to you?
TAS: So many things, but ultimately it’s the thing that keeps me sane, so I guess it’s therapy!
CH.89: What’s the last song you listened to?
TAS: Organized Konfusion (Prince Poetry & Pharoahe Monch) – Stress
CH.89: Any last words on the aesthetic of your artwork?
TAS: Experimental, playful, fun, unconventional.
CHAPTER89 