The point
Texture
Imperfection, Improvisation & Limitations
Art is like science for the emotional brain. I make art in a pretty instinctual way. I'm not always aware of specific meanings when I start, but as I develop a piece meanings will reveal themselves to me.
I believe honesty is important in art. In ordinary life there may be different sides to your character - formality, primal desire, etc - but in my art I try to stay in touch with all of those parts of myself. It's therapeutic, but it can also make me feel vulnerable.
I don't think artists are, or should be considered, virtuous people who can be looked to to preach high moral values. I think an artist can do more good by simply being honest about their flaws. Sometimes the main reason you're making something is because it feels good, but there is often deep value and truth in what feels good, so just keep jamming.
Texure is something that means a lot to me in art. Whether it be the timbre of instruments in a piece of music, the look of pigment suspended in a binding medium, or the grain of a celluloid film image, there is something vivid and almost spiritual about textures in art.
I have synesthesia and this gives me a sense of feeling memories and emotions in a textural way. Because of this, I have unconsciously gravitated towards using textures in my art as a way of replicating the mind's eye.
This is why I enjoy traditional mediums in my art and photo chemicals in my films.
I am a big believer in the element of chance in art and I believe that there is beauty in imperfection and naivety. A lot of what I do in my work is about embracing this. I have often put deliberate limitations on myself while producing work and I believe in working fast to get my ideas out quickly.
I do not use this as an excuse to not develop and improve my skills however, but when my work is flawed and imperfect this can add to it's beauty. I think this links very strongly to the element of honesty and working in an instinctual way that I talked about under the other heading. Naivety and imperfection in art, shows personality and sincerity, which is something I strive for in my work.
About me
Name: Glenn Wilkinson
Age: 30
Location: Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
Education: Has a first class BA (Hons) in Creative film and moving image production from The Northern School of Art (formerly Cleveland College of Art and Design).
Self taught: Art and Illustration
Obsession with Art, Films, Music and other creative pursuits: Always sort of existed, but intensified at the age of 13 after discovering The White Stripes and weird music videos.
A few examples of favourite artists: Edward Hopper, Edward Burra, Henri Matisse.
A few examples of favourite filmmakers: Andrei Tarkovsky, Shinya Tsukamoto, Yasujiro Ozu, Jim Jarmusch.
A few examples of favourite musicians: Melt-Banana, Charles Mingus, Eric Dolphy, Captain Beefheart, Mononeon.
Favourite medium for pictures: Oil Pastel
Favourite medium for films: Super 8 and 16mm film.