Joanna Scott Interview

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VisualArt:Now talks to British artist Joanna Scott

Tell us something about your background.

I started drawing at an early age as escapism from the chaos of my early life – this became a quiet world I could create and control amongst the noise. At fifteen I was selling my work in a little gallery art shop in Enfield North London from this I went onto study interior design, which didn’t really satisfy my creative needs but provided an income. Around 1993 I went freelance as an artist after only six years in the design workplace. Greetings cards commissions came along, giftware and textiles culminating in my working part time for Halcyon Days in Mayfair illustrating for fine enamel collector’s boxes – quite a specialized area. I went totally freelance again as requests for mural commissions came in and the journey to Mayfair three days a week became longer. I still create murals for commercial and private clients, design and illustration to.

How and when did you start creating art?

When I could pick up a pencil - as above :)

What artform/s do you work in and why?

I like acrylics and watercolours – acrylics are amazing you can use them sculpturally or thin them right down to a watercolour wash with the added benefit of durability – very useful for children’s storybook murals where you want to create a watercolour look on a wall. Watercolours themselves are fun and immediate – lovely for doing those little illustrative projects.

Who /what are your influences?

I guess because I was drawing from so young I’ve never stopped to think what my influences have been- I guess everything that I have ever seen or experienced has influenced me in some way. Artists I like or have liked are Beatrice Potter, Aubrey Beardsley, Toulouse Lautrec, Henry Rousseau, and Banksy

What was your breakthrough moment, if you can identify one?

I think seeing my work on sale in Harrods and Selfridges was quite nice – although I think the spiritual breakthrough has taken place in the last couple of years as I’ve started to work in the community taking art to people is very satisfying for me.

What’s the worst thing about being an artist?

Famine

…and the best?

Feast

A longer version of this interview is available to VisualArtNow Full Members.
Click here to learn more about becoming a member.

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