Tout Nouveau Blog

We are proud to introduce, Inky, the latest graduate artist to join us here at Tout Nouveau. Inky studied degree level Art at Leeds University and continues to produce mesmerising pieces of artistry from the confines of her Leeds apartment. Her latest showpiece ‘Untitled’ is an original oil painting on canvas and will grace the white walls, sorry, laptop screens of Tout Nouveau followers everywhere when it is released in our online store later this year. We wanted to find out more and so tempted this tea-loving artisan with jam and scones in return for a few quick questions. Read on to learn more about Inky and her work…

RW: What was your inspiration for this piece?

INKY: A boy.

RW: What materials were used?

INKY: An old Mills and Boon book and paint.

RW: How long did the piece take from conception to completion?

INKY: Aaaages!!! I didn’t really time it. Honestly I don’t even know if it’s finished yet!?

RW: Why did you select ‘Mother of the Bride’ as the background to the painting?

INKY: Mills and Boon books are fantasy – a girl with a hare’s head is obviously fantasy. It didn’t really matter what the book was about, it was just playing upon the idea of being whatever someone wants you to be. Are they disappointed when they realise you’re not who they think you are? Do they see this identity as a mask or more importantly, do you yourself? People are always changing, how we portray ourselves to others is completely a reflection of our inner self and sometimes that can be misconstrued. It’s all about perspective.

RW: How do you feel about people interpreting your painting?

INKY: Interested! It’s always good and sometimes surprising to hear what people think my work is about. Sometimes I don’t know what it’s about myself until taking a good time away from it.

RW: Where is home to you?

INKY: Where the heart is?! That is Leeds for now.

RW: How and when did you develop your passion for art?

INKY: Art has always been in me, but like most things though, a passion can wane or become stronger depending on where you are in your life. I guess it’s easier to say I’m always developing.

RW:  How would you describe your style of work?

INKY: Manipulated.

RW: What projects are you currently working on?

INKY: On several pieces when I get chance!! Usually a painting or drawing of some sort.

RW: What are your pet peeves?

INKY: Lack of time annoys me greatly.

RW: Your favorite artist?

INKY: Egon Shiele / Mucha

RW: What tools do you use to create your work?

INKY: My hands, sometimes my brain is involved too…paint, pencil, ink.

RW: Who would you like to work with in the future?

INKY: I’m not one for collaboration; I’m too headstrong when it comes to art.

RW: What inspires you?

INKY: My friends, random strangers on the street, books, music, films.

RW: What is your second love, after art?

INKY: The people in my life.

RW: What do you like to do in your spare time?

INKY: I’m becoming quite interested in Burlesque, and I’m a pretty good baker in my spare time too. Entertaining friends, watching movies… yadda yadda yadda!!!

RW: Favourite Place?

INKY: Any park on a sunny day…or in a teashop scribbling doodles.

Inky’s first submission ‘Untitled’ will be available for purchase upon launch of the Tout Nouveau online store in AW 2010. We welcome your comments about this piece.