Interview: Artist & amp Designer Simon Hart

1 or two weeks before, on Twitter, I found a quantity of neighborhood designers right here on my doorstep in Devon and decided to come right here on the weblog. The first, which you may possibly recall, was the not too long ago Bert & amp Buoy and I had the pleasure of interviewing the extremely talented designer behind the brand, Bert Fowler. Now, at the very same time, I came across yet another quite inventive nearby, whose perform I immediately fell in love. Simon Hart was not a new name to me, but I had so far been only genuinely aware of his bright and colorful seascapes focusing on the fishing villages and harbors of Devon and Cornwall. I did not push his beautiful collage work and illustration of forest animals, birds, dogs and cats. So I wanted to learn much more about his operate and let you know it properly.

Can you inform us a small about your background?

I grew up and went to college in Bedfordshire. I have a level art, graphic communications and mathematics at Harlington Upper School, then Art Foundation in Barnet College. I then studied a BA Hons surface pattern design and style at the Staffordshire University ultimately an MA in printed textiles at the Royal College of Art.

When did you discover your enjoy for art and design and style?

From a really young age. When I was about 8 or 9 years old, I was constantly drawing birds and wildlife as a junior member of the RSPB. Then I began to move in Graphic Style, Interior Style sketches and blueprints, as I progressed by way of the college.

What you brought Dartmouth?

I spent a lot of time painting and sketching ports in Cornwall and Devon and decided I wanted to move out of London and to live by the sea, and open an art gallery. My wife Theresa and I right away saw Dartmouth wanted to show as the best location for the style of the original art we. We also fell in really like with the spot, of course.

They are greatest recognized for their bright and colorful seascapes focus on the fishing villages and harbors of Cornwall and Devon. What is it about the South West that inspires you?

I really like the contrast between the gentle hills and estuaries of Devon and the dramatic, rugged and typically desolate landscape of Cornwall. Also has the massive number of fishing villages and harbors in the South-West to me. With a wealth of supply material The light is also down right here nice and I love the colors of the bright boats against the all-natural colors of the buildings and landscape.

Her illustrations have been also children's books, wallpaper, textiles, carpets employed covers magazine and scenery. What have you most enjoyed designing you?

I genuinely enjoyed designing a stage set for the English ballet school, although I was at the Royal College. Transferred to my drawings on a large scale for the 1st time was amazing. I also loved to do, the children's books, like all my operate is inspired by naive and childlike art.

Where can folks discover your styles?

We have not, as we sold seven years ago, the art gallery enterprise. I have extremely small of my original art on show in galleries. Most of my present animal and animal representation of the work, please pay a visit to my website at www.simonhart.co.uk and my original art and paintings in www.simonhartartist.co.uk see. I sell my work on Not on the High Street and Etsy.

More recently, you have expanded into the production of a range of merchandise including mugs, cups, placemats, towels, bags, cards and prints that have your collage photos. Why did you branch into the housewares industry?

Theresa and I constantly wanted to develop a brand following the education and knowledge that we had won in the initial half of our profession. Also, the on-line trading model gives us a lot more flexibility in our lives with two young children and property and holiday residences to obtain.

Your Area" Pawtraits' has verified to be quite effective. Do you have any plans to expand their merchandise to other have animals belong?

I have already made forest animals, but are preparing some new compositions of British wildlife to do with vintage papers, Tweed and notes. I will of course with new races to dog collection and a handful of more pussycats 'pawtraits' are on their way!

What was the highlight of your career?

Gaining commercial good results early with my photos and see how they are displayed worldwide in shops such as Ikea and Habitat was very rewarding as a young designer / artist. A sell-out very first exhibition and was nominated as a finalist for a British Style Award for 1 of my nautical print designs for freedom have been particular highlights.

What suggestions would you give young designers or artists just beginning out in this business?

If you. Her study into what industry you want to be placed in Be bold and feel early on your function. Do your operate influence on do not consume even though you are free to make mistakes and experiment, and so forth. do it simply because later in life are other items your time have to compromise! Be very good in social media (I'm not at the moment!), As is vital to develop your profile as an artist now.