Nese Selamoglu in Conversation with Emerging Artist Andrew Page
With a background in finance, Andrew Page is an English contemporary artist based in Shropshire. Known for his dark and distinctive acrylic portraits on canvas, he is also an avid writer with two published poetry books and is constantly exploring new concepts.
Influenced by his extensive travels and life experiences, we sat down with the artist to learn more about his early processes, the role mental health plays in his work, and the transience of art.
Andrew Page.
“Nowhere is somewhere when you create something from nothing.”
Nese Selamoglu: Where and when did your experience with art-making begin?
Andrew Page: I had the random idea about four years ago of buying a large compass and putting a paintbrush in it to produce concentric circles. Soon after that, I started painting flowers on some greenhouse glass panels that I found and photographed them in the rain–it produced a lovely natural fading effect. Then about three years ago I started painting the human form and faces.
NS: You have created portraits of many individuals over the years–including one of me–and they’re very beautiful, but they also have quite a dark, sombre feeling to them. Would you agree? Is there a particular reason for this?
AP: Yes, I fully agree. I think it’s because I possess a sadness and have suffered with bouts of depression over the years and I believe that this does somewhat reflect in my paintings.
Nese, 2022.
NS: Your portraiture is also incredibly distinctive. How did you come to develop your signature style and aesthetic? Is there a reason you primarily paint brunettes?
AP: I use very inexpensive acrylic paint that I dilute to different levels, and because of this I find that I must add numerous coats. I also think that everyone looks a tad better with makeup. The reason that the majority of the paintings are of brunettes is that I only use a few colours and I tend to go with what’s at hand. Occasionally I will try different colours for the hair.
NS: Can you talk about your preferred use of materials and your process from starting work to its competition?
AP: I tend to paint on coloured cards. I will start with a basic image and build it from there. I usually paint the eyes and mouth first then go over them again later, adding makeup, black clothes and hair. I tend to add the paint quite thickly in several layers and it results in pronounced brushstrokes.
Lovers, 2022.
NS: You have also written two books and numerous poems. Would you say you creatively express yourself better through writing or painting?
AP: I don’t think there is any distinction between writing and painting, they are both expressive in their own ways. The books that I wrote were just a sample of the thousands of poems I have now written. The book was in fact called A Book by A. Page and the sequel was Another Book by A. Page–there is a theme here. I now have enough material to write a dozen poetry books. It’s available on the Tumblr link on my website and is something I must update.
NS: You have also lived in many countries. Do you think your art has been affected by different cultures?
AP: Unfortunately, I had worked in finance for many years, so not really as I only started painting a few years ago–although I did enjoy my time recently living in Tokyo, having always liked calligraphy, and thought the Kanji art was impressive.
NS: I came across one of your quotes that really moved me: “All but love is transient.” In your opinion, does this mean art is transient too?
AP: Possibly, while some images, art, written words, songs, deeds, etc., can influence you, I think in hindsight a real love from or for another being leaves an indelible mark.
NS: Do you think it’s necessary to have an education in fine arts to be an artist?
AP: As a novice, I don’t really know. I have had no tuition nor influence whatsoever, so I am unsure what I would have done differently. I quite like that I have no rules and that there is a lot of trial and error.
The Love of One Another, 2022.
NS: What’s next for you?
AP: I would like to update my website with works from the past 12 months, gain more traction and promotion for my artwork, and then generate an income to become a professional artist. Then, rent or buy a studio to develop my pipeline and new projects and really move my art to a different level.
Thanks to Andrew Page on behalf of MADE IN BED.
Nese Selamoglu
Interviews Co-Editor, MADE IN BED