Working primarily with calligraphy inks, graphite and liquids, such as tea, Carne Griffiths’ fascination with drawing focuses on the creation and manipulation of the drawn line. Images explore human, geometric and floral forms, in a combination of both literal and abstract translation and in response to images and situations encountered in daily life. Images are recorded in a dreamlike sense onto the page where physical boundaries are unimportant. His work creates a journey of escapism that focuses on scenes of awe and wonder, projecting a sense of abandonment and inviting the viewer to share and explore this inner realm.
Originally from Liverpool, Griffiths graduated from the Kent Institute of Art and Design in Maidstone in 1995. After completing a one-year KIAD fellowship and moving to London he served an apprenticeship at the longest-established gold wire embroidery firm in the world. Here he worked as a gold wire embroidery designer for twelve years, eventually becoming the creative director. Carne produced intricate designs for the military and the film, theatre, fashion and advertising industries. His designs were used for the uniforms in the films Valkyrie, The Last King of Scotland, and in particular, his ‘Red Death Coat’ was used in The Phantom of the Opera. Carne’s elaborate floral designs for Asprey were included in their first ever catwalk collection and his work was featured on the embroidered cover of the 80th Royal Variety Performance programme in 2008.
Since establishing his own studio in 2010, Carne has exhibited in the UK and overseas with work shown at the London Original Print Fair, the Royal Academy, Stroke Art Fair, Affordable Art Fair, the London Art Fair and with solo Exhibitions in Brighton, Hong Kong, Milan and an upcoming show in Hamburg. Carne’s illustration work has seen him collaborate with the British photographer Rankin for a 6-page feature in Hunger magazine as well as featuring in publications worldwide, notably for several covers of the New York Observer, English Heritage magazine and for Brand projects including work for Microsoft, Derwent, Peroni, Lakes Distillery and Ibis Hotels.
Self-taught or art school?
Bit of both but I think we all are – what did they teach in art school – how to discover things by yourself.. most artists’ skills are learnt outside of art college but what college definitely provided was a great encouraging environment to be creative and lots of people with the same drive and passion for the arts.
If you could own one work of art what would it be?
Guernica – I think it is one of the most powerful historical reflections and groundbreaking pieces of art.
How would you describe your style?
Daydreamy and whimsical light and escapist! There is a darker side to what I do but I keep them very separate.
Can you tell us about your artistic process?
I like to throw things and see what sticks – much of my work is influenced surprisingly by early surrealist principles which are slowly losing their way. Chaos and chance are really important factors in the creative process and the need to keep changing materials to discover and push the work forward.
Is narrative important within your work?
There is a concept more than a narrative – a sense of place or inner word and this comes from my passion for outsider art – I am fascinated with the creation of the internal space and how this reflects our outward experiences.
Who is your favourite artist and why?
A very varied list of artists who are so far from what I create! From Henry Darger and Adol Wolfli to the brother’s Quay, Leonardo Davinci and early surrealist Andre Masson pushed the automatic drawing process to its limits.
What or who inspires your art?
The natural world and the internal conflict. A desire to make sense of the world and the inner world.
Where’s your studio and what’s it like?
Currently, it is home and garden, I have had to give up my London studio recently as it has lain empty during covid times and is currently an expense too far, it was a tough decision but on the plus side working from the home studio gives more time to explore painting and less time travelling!
Do you have any studio rituals?
The brewing of tea prior to and during working and also the selection of music – these are both vital and influence what I create. I work closely with a DJ – Ben Mynott who runs Fluidnation – we are always sharing ideas, visual and audio and I love the crossover between the two. Ben creates beautiful mixes which often have a meditative flow which really suits my way of working, and he seems to like what I create too so it’s an awesome exchange – we have created a number of projects together like the nature’s ruches series which Ben paired to a beautiful set of mixes including Solace.
What are you currently working on?
I am currently working on an animation project which is really nice – returning back to something I was doing at college and applying it to my current work is a great challenge and a lot of fun!
Where can we buy your work?
You can buy prints and originals online from Leontia Gallery at https://www.shop-leontiagallery.com/collections/carne-griffiths or from my website www.carnegriffiths.com
