Elliot Fox
Artwork’s Title: Soft Gold
Materials Used: Acrylic and Transfer on Canvas
Year: 2019
Studio Based: Peckham, London
Art Verge
Can you tell us about the process of making your work?
Elliot Fox
If I’m making a painting I select from a bank of hand-drawn and digital images. The process of making the paintings is essentially a series of decision on colour, composition and scale using these different icons to build the painting whilst working within an evolving yet relatively coherent format from work to work. The repetition of these ‘icons’ is an attempt to replicate language and how we communicate with ourselves and the world around us.
How would you define your work in a few words (ideally in 3 words)?
Looking to land.
Would you use another three different words to describe the ‘Soft Gold’ painting?
Nail Salon Rose.
How did you come up with this painting idea? Is there any story behind this painting?
I’d say its less a case of each painting having an idea or story but that the individual motifs that are recurrent throughout my work hold certain narratives themselves – and when arranged together allow the audience to derive their own narratives. A lot of the images are taken from sign dictionary’s so to a certain degree contain a definitive idea or meaning within them – but I try to arrange them alongside other images and motifs to subvert that concept.
What colour is used the most in this painting?
Purple by the looks of it.
What would be the best way to exhibit your work?
I’m always drawn to the pristine white box gallery space and I think the paintings are helped by a certain level of light but I’m working on a series of reflective works so am intrigued by exhibiting in space that was the opposite of that.
Can you mention any artists you, lately or generally, take inspiration from?
I spent a few months working for the sculptor James Capper on his latest project and his attention to detail and level of commitment to his practice was quite mind blowing. It puts your own work and ambition into stark perspective.
How do you know when this painting was finished?
I think my favourite paintings I’ve made have been the ones where I’ve stopped before I felt i had finished. Most are finished when i’ve gone one step too far but sometimes it’s funner to twist than stick.
What about the place where you work? What’s your studio space look like?
At the moment its full of paintings and sculptures so pretty cramped but always very organised. Im pretty manically tidy which In recent years have thought to harness in my work.
Is there any particular message that you wish your viewers can take from this painting?
Not really.
What does your mum think about your art?
Number one fan.
Which exhibition did you visit last?
Michael Swaney at Sorry Sorry we’re Closed.
Which are your plans for the near future?
Some group shows in London in September and also working on a book with Tarmac Press check them out!
Additional Works:
©All images are courtesy of the artist