Simon Bastian Interview

Simon Bastian Interiew

How would youdescribe your art?
Inspired by angels; or maybe demons, I'm not sure, they're at the corner of my eye right now. Mostly acrylic landscapes, I also use mixed media.
Describe the process of creating a new piece
It involves alcohol then lying down for a while. After that I might get an idea, take a few photos, make some sketches, but I don't take too long in the actual painting, I like to work quickly. Perhaps it shows!

What's inspiring to you?
My wife Lynn. A lot of reading. (I recommend 'The Yellow House' by Martin Gayford, about Van Gogh and Gauguin in Arles. Marvellous). The Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam is like a religious experience. Amsterdam itself, a playground for adults; the Red Light district, the canals, the coffee shops (what Euro-idiot banned smoking in bars? They aren't health clubs, as David Hockney pointed out). Jerry's Cigar Bar in Bruges is inspiring. And Trappist beer. Clam chowder in Salem. In other words, Sensual Overload, a shamanic technique.
Where did you grow up and what was your upbringing like?
A small town in Cornwall. I think that compared to now we had a remarkably free childhood back in the '60's. We weren't plugged into the gin palace of technology. And from what people tell me of their upbringing I appreciate the lack of religious indoctrination I received at school. We only had the Lord's Prayer to recite at morning assembly. 'Forgive us our trespasses'? At 5 or 6 years old?

Where are you based as an artist?
In the midst of life I came across a dark wood. Actually I love Glastonbury. Sometimes I get past the sentry towers and the barbed wire, but it's too weird out there in the 'real' world.
Where have you exhibited in the past?
I worked in Cornwall for a long time, as I trained there, at Cornwall College (best advice I ever got from an art teacher: 'Be Bold'. Thanks, Dave). I also was lucky enough to get into Falmouth School of Art. At the same time I was taking classes at Porthmeor Studio in St.Ives with Roy Walker, so I was exhibiting in studios and places like Falmouth Library art gallery. Here, I exhibited and sold paintings at Gallery 8 in Glastonbury.
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