A J Callan
In every day situations I tend to take mental snapshots of inanimate and
animate subjects. It might be a knowing glance between two people or a reaction
to a surprise. I have frequent brainstorming sessions, often with a glass of red
wine in my hand – it is amazing how many of these snapshots then resurface for use in my sketches! My work combines the real and the imaginary and this is reflected in the finished pieces. My early inspirations are wide and varied, from seeing the Yellow Submarine animation as a child, to reading about Leonardo Da Vinci at school.
I never cease to be amazed by Leonardo’s thirst for knowledge and his technical ability. Other influences include, Charles Renee Mackintosh with his uniquely romantic approach to his work and Joseph Wright for his stunning mastery of lighting. I aim to create art which generates a warm reaction from the viewer, to mirror my emotions when creating them. I am a positive person by nature and a complete optimist, my wine glass is always half full! I am as comfortable creating three dimensional works as two dimensional. The sheer pleasure of creating something totally unique is immeasurable.
I produce masses of rough sketches in short energetic bursts. I have a good idea in my mind of colour schemes but I try not to be too specific before the event. This prevents me from stifling the creative process during execution of the finished item. I go through a range of emotions when working. Excitement is always first when an idea pops into my head. Anxiety and fear follows closely as the illustration starts to build.
This is where my experience and confidence is required to see it through. I have learned to trust my instincts. Finally there is exhilaration when the finished picture matches my expectations. I frequently walk away from my work during production to stay fresh and objective. Once each piece is finished, I leave it for a couple of days before re-visiting it. This is when I will make tweaks where necessary.
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