Initially inspired by the work of Terry Frost and Ben Nicholson, Paul Butler has found himself intrigued by the possibility of using simple shapes, colour and texture to create art. Butler travels widely and has enjoyed working with artists in New Zealand and Australia. He enjoys experimenting with materials and is obsessed with the circle in all its forms.
Butler has primarily exhibited in London and Cornwall as well as numerous Open Exhibitions around the country resulting in his work being in private collections in Britain and abroad. He is currently working on material for an exhibition in the Crypt Gallery St Ives Cornwall in October 2021.
Self-taught or Art School?
Self-taught
If you could own one work of art what would it be?
I would love one of Ben Nicholson’s, such as the 1934 Relief, a ground-breaking piece but beautiful in its simplicity.
How would you describe your style?
Abstract but I have been told it is conceptual abstract in that I can visualise what my work will look like exactly and work towards that with a few creative tweaks on the way.
Can you tell us about your artistic process?
I have the work pretty much in my head and refer to sketches made. I try to start painting fairly quickly, and then continually hang and review as the work progresses. There is often textured aspects to the work so building up layers of paint or other materials is often what takes the longest time.
Is narrative important within your work?
In a sense yes, in that when I create a series of paintings there is a link between the works. I am not a fan of long descriptions as you can have the most flowery prose of what was intended but ultimately the viewer is the one who brings their own interpretation to the work.
Who are your favourite artists and why?
I love the work of Terry Frost and Ben Nicholson as they inspired me but more recently have really loved the work of Noel Betowski and Martha Winter. Frost and Nicholson could portray a complex theme in such a simple form but produce a piece that can really hold the attention of the viewer. Martha Winter’s processes intrigue me and her works are stunning and Noel Betowski is my current favourite and I am looking at his use of colour and how he incorporates aspects of his previous work.
What or who inspires your art?
I am inspired by the shape and colour of the natural world and its’ materials and love looking at other artists work to see how they interpret a theme or technique.
Where’s your studio and what’s it like?
My studio is attached to my home and is a converted garage that I usurped from my partner. I would love to say it is a tranquil workplace but it is messy and full of music and colour.
Do you have any studio rituals?
Not really. I have preferential times to work such as early morning but can pretty much go out and start when I am in the mood to paint. I like to work on series and often have 2 or 3 on the go at one time but I do like to listen to music as I work.
What are you working on currently?
I have an exhibition in the Crypt Gallery in St Ives in October. I am getting pieces ready for that and will need about 30 as it is a large venue to fill, it is a fabulous space. This was where a couple of my artistic heroes Ben Nicholson and Terry Frost exhibited their work so I am really excited to be showing my work there.
Where can we buy your art?
I exhibit in Cornwall and London mainly but if you cannot attend a live viewing my work can be seen via my website or Instagram where details of all exhibitions are published.
Instagram paulbutler64
