insideKENT Magazine Issue 81 - December 2018 | Page 41

ARTS+ENTERTAINMENT
KENT ARTIST PROFILE:
CARLIE CURNOW
CARLIE CURNOW IS INSPIRED BY THE WORLD AROUND HER, AND IN KENT
THERE IS NO END TO THE WONDERS OF NATURE THAT SHE CAN USE TO
INFLUENCE HER ART. THIS MONTH, WE SPOKE TO CARLIE ABOUT JUST WHY
KENT IS SUCH AN EVOCATIVE PLACE FOR ARTISTS, AND HOW HER ART HAS
GROWN OVER TIME.
If you had to define your art,
how would you describe what
you do?
I have always been inspired by
wildlife and enjoy trying to
capture the detail and character
of animals and birds. Most
recently, I have been exploring
the juxtaposition between these
qualities and a much looser,
abstract and urban background.
I’ll often start studying an animal
or bird either from life, by
observing taxidermy or drawing
at zoos. These studies have a real
sense of life – this much quicker
way of working means the
process of deciphering the
animals’ form, texture and
character is evident in the
drawing, which I love. After this
I will create much more sustained
paintings in my studio, usually
in oil. I also love creating portraits,
which is another aspect of my
practice. I’ve worked on this
much less of late, but am always
delighted when a portrait
commission comes in.
How did you become an artist?
I was a completely arty child and
would spend every spare
moment drawing and painting.
I became an art scholar at my
school and then earned a place
at Kingston University to study
BA Illustration. Throughout
school, university and beyond I
took on commissions including
murals, portraits and wildlife
imagery.
What is the most unusual,
daring, or interesting
commission you’ve ever
received?
The most daring commissions
I’ve ever received have been for
murals. My first commission
came during my A-level year; to
design and create a large mural
across three walls in a Medway veterinary centre. This was a huge
undertaking and so exciting for me at the very beginning of my career.
A later commission came in to create an even bigger mural in a special
school, that would support the students learning at their forest school.
This was an interactive space with textures, lift flaps and fully three-
dimensional elements. It was great to combine my love of wildlife with
the opportunity to develop a brilliant learning resource for the school.
What is it about Kent that inspires you?
I absolutely love that Kent, especially around the coast, is such a vibrant
place for art and artists. You are never far from seeing the work of new
and up-and-coming artists. Kent is a beautiful county where there is
a wealth of source material for someone like me, who delights in nature.
Do you have any artist heroes?
So many! I guess if I had to mention just one or two, firstly it would be
Connor Harrington. He is an amazing painter who blends a photo
realistic style with influences from graffiti and street art. I also love
Emily Lamb – she is influenced by the wildlife and people of Africa
and her paintings have an amazing intuitive feel; totally stunning.
Where can we see your work?
Hopefully you will see my work in local galleries soon. Until then the
best place to see my work is on my Facebook page:
www.facebook.com/carliecurnowartist
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