CH.89: If you were to categorize or describe the style of your artwork, what would it be and why?
LR: My work can be categorized under the genres of colourfield and hardedge. I look to create spatial and color harmony. Taking geometric, abstract forms, to create visually pleasing, carefully constructed works that appeal to a sense of order and structure whilst maintaining a sense of the artist’s hand.
CH.89: Where do you draw your inspiration from?
LR: Inspiration can come from anywhere really, often from my travels; however, it can come from something as small as a piece of packaging ripped without thought. I’m always looking for inspiration in everything and I think that’s the key.
CH.89: Can you talk a little bit about what your creative thought process is like when starting a new project/ piece of artwork?
LR: I usually note down shapes and colors as I see them creating a montage of a place or a moment. I will then experiment with these shapes and colors until something emerges as unique. Then I decide on the format based on the layout.
CH.89: Is there anything in particular that you would want people to take from your artwork?
LR: I’m looking for the audience to take what they would like from the artwork and interpret it in their own way.
CH.89: Can you talk a little bit about your lifestyle as an artist and what that is like?
LR: I’m actually a full time Designer that creates everything from branding to website design. Creating art is something I do to move away from creating something as an agency/client relationship, and gives me the freedom to create my thoughts fully. It’s very much an evening and weekend pursuit for me but hopefully one day it will be more.
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?
LR: I have a process which I described earlier that feels like both a guiding plan and impulse at the same time. It gives freedom but is very much based on a set of pre thought out shapes and colors.
CH.89: What is one major lesson you’ve learned as an artist thus far?
LR: Don’t forget to put your work down and come back to it with fresh eyes.
CH.89: Do you regard personal style & taste to be of highest importance?
LR: I create things that I like, sometimes my work can cover a range of styles and I don’t think you should nail yourself down to one way of thinking only. Variety can enrich your work.
CH.89: What do you consider to be the hardest thing about being an artist?
LR: The admin. I love creating work but I never thought I’d need to know so much about taxes, contracts and global shipping. The next hardest thing is having a lot of ideas but not having the time to get them all down.
CH.89: What is one thing you love about being an artist?
LR: Designing the artwork in a sketch book and seeing something unique emerge.
CH.89: Is there anyone in particular, any artist’s that inspire you in any way?
LR: I really like the work of Joseph Albers, specifically his work with color. I also love the art work of Barbara Hepworth, Ben Nicholson and the designer Wim Crouwell. They all play with shapes and form in a way that I feel holds a balance and therefore holds my attention like no other works can.
CH.89: What do you think of technology in terms of being a useful tool for artists today?
LR: I use technology all the time to capture shape, texture and colour. I also use the Adobe suite to create a lot of my art.
LR: I think because I’m a graphic designer too it comes natural and feels right to use my skills in this area to create art too.
CH.89: Do you think being an artist allows you to view the world differently from those who don’t follow creative paths?
LR: I think all people view the world differently and they chose to because of their own interests, concerns and impulses. The world to artists just involves a little bit more color.
CH.89: Do you enjoy traveling? If so, do you have a favorite city?
LR: Yes, when possible. I love discovering new places but I’d say predominantly natural environments over cities. In 2018, I was lucky enough to go on a round the world trip with my wife for our honeymoon. We went to Canada (Banff and Jasper National Parks) and Japan (Tokyo and Kyoto) both incredibly inspiring places in totally different ways.
CH.89: Do you have a favorite author or book?
LR: I listen to a lot of audiobooks when designing or creating artwork. I think my favorite would be Bill Bryson – Summer of 1927 or Stephen Fry’s – Mythos.
CH.89: Any future goals or plans for your artwork?
LR: Do more of it more regularly, get a piece in the RA summer exhibition and have some solo shows to be proud of. I’ve always also been a fan of fashion and interior design and would want to do some collaborations in those worlds.
CH.89: What does being an artist mean to you?
LR: Creative freedom and being able to get lost in my own thoughts means a great deal to me. It also makes me actually stop and look at the beauty in things which enriches life.
CH.89: What’s the last song you listened to?
LR: Sam Cooke – What a wonderful world
CH.89: Any last words on the aesthetic of your artwork?
LR: Please take a look for yourself at www.liamrobertsdesign.co.uk
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