AN INTERVIEW WITH JODY THOMAS

Jody, great to have you on board at Lawless Studio! How would you describe what you do?

‘I am an artist working across various mediums and scale – I’m known for spray painted figurative murals from canvas sized up to 100ft high street pieces.’

What steps did you take to get to where you are now?

‘I started painting at the now infamous Barton Hill Youth Club in Bristol in the 80s in amongst the then underground art form of graffiti. I studied Graphic Design and Illustration at college back in 1990 and went on to establish a design agency in Bristol then became a freelance art director. I was interviewed for a book (Children Of The Can – 25 Years of Bristol Graffiti) by the author Felix Braun which brought me somewhat crashing out of my 18 year retirement to me painting now full time.

What's your style / perspective / taste? Do you have a project that represents this?

I am known for my photorealistic figurative murals of mainly women. I try to create a visual narrative within my paintings of thoughtfulness and reflection that I very much leave open to interpretation. This wall for Upfest 2016 is one of my most popular: http://www.artring.it/cassie-meder-by-jody-in-bristol-uk/

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Artists are generally multidisciplinary with multiple skills  - which skill do you wish you practise do more often?

‘Definitely more of my own personal work – I keep a digital sketchbook and many folders of photographic reference but I seldom have the time due to commercial work… which is a nice problem to have!’

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Describe your ideal collaboration.

I have collaborated with some really great artists over the years but would love to do something with someone like Etam Cru or the photographer Nick Knight.

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How do you stay creative?

I paint because I feel I couldn’t live without it really – so in a way its reversal. Staying motivated is the key and I think that social media with all its ills and problems is however perfect for the art/visual world, especially Instagram that not only feeds you daily with new art and inspiration but connects you to artists from all over the world.

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