ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT
KENT ARTIST PROFILE :
STEVEN McGUINNESS
STEVEN McGUINNESS ’ S EXPLORATION OF FORM AND COLOUR HAS ALLOWED HIM TO CAPTURE THE EVER-EVOLVING IDENTITY OF THANET WHILE DEVELOPING HIS OWN DISTINCTIVE STYLE ; LARGE DRAMATIC PIECES PORTRAY SCENES OF THE AREA , SET TO ENTHRAL THE VIEWER THROUGH AN ABSTRACT LENS AND SENSE OF MOVEMENT .
Tell us a little bit about what led you to becoming an artist and how you would describe your art .
I have always had a creative flair . Enjoying drawing and painting from a very young age , I grew to explore different ways of visualising my work as I got older . My passion for art and creativity led me to becoming an art teacher and eventually a headteacher . Since retiring 10 years ago , I was able to reconnect with my love of painting , having the time to take my work to another level .
Tell us a little bit about the techniques and process you undergo to create your art .
My work is underpinned by strong drawing lines which influence the shape style of the finished painting . This has developed into a unique style , which is easily recognisable as my work . In both my landscapes and abstracts , I like to explore line form and colour . By portraying these lines in pastel and charcoal , then overlaying them in pen and marker , the overall effect means the piece has movement and energy .
I mainly work in acrylic , which is mixed with commercial water-based white gloss and gives the lustre and feel of oil paint but dries in minutes , allowing me to draw directly onto the canvas .
You capture lots of Kentish scenes and landmarks in your work , what is it about Kent that you find so inspiring ?
My main subject matter is found around the Thanet coast , especially structures and boats .
These provide the opportunity for drawing strong lines , allowing me to create more movement within the pieces . My pieces tend to be large and dramatic ; these are statement paintings . I want my work to make a statement and not just sit on the wall . My aim is to get the viewer to work with the painting , being drawn back again and again .
Thanet has some incredible architecture which I like to interpret in my paintings . By incorporating a sense of the ocean , seaside and boats , I try to capture the essence of the Isle of Thanet , the identity of which continues to evolve .
It ’ s the move from the ‘ kiss me quick ’ seaside town days of yore to today ' s gentrification and hipsters that has changed the demographic and thus raised Margate ’ s artistic profile .
My gallery and studio , Gallery 7 , is located in Margate Old Town (‘ Shoreditch-on-Sea ’) and here , the change can be acutely seen . It has changed from once being a place of the down-and-out to a hotbed of galleries and interesting retailers .
Where can we see / purchase your art ?
Gallery 7 is located next to Pie Factory in Broad Street ; here you can see my work and usually watch me paint . I have had the gallery for nearly five years and although small , I now have many returning clients and customers . Apart from the exodus from London every weekend , I have clients from Australia , South Africa and Canada and have shipped work to the USA , Dubai and various European countries .
Gallery : Gallery 7 , 5 Broad St , Margate CT9 1EW
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