Richard Shipley is an abstract painter who originates from York, North Yorkshire and is now a resident of Bristol in the South West of England. Shipley’s love of art began in 1987 when he was introduced to graffiti art. This inspired him to pick up the can, and the rest is history. Over the years Shipley’s work has evolved from his early graffiti writings to the non-objective abstract aesthetic we see today. Heavily influenced by the dynamism of the Italian Futurists such as Umberto Boccioni and the geometry of Kazimir Malevich and the Suprematist movement, Shipley keeps his roots in graffiti art.
Self-taught or art school?
I am a self-taught artist. I began painting in 1987 when I was introduced to graffiti art. From the age of 13, I would sketch all week (often in lessons) then be out painting the streets at the weekend and things have progressed from there. I did consider going to University when I finished college, but I was getting regularly commissioned murals and was offered work as a scenic painter, which was fascinating and really helped in my development as an artist. So I never really got the time to go to university.
If you could own one work of art what would it be?
If I could own one work of art, it would probably be a Lowry. From a young age, I used to visit the art gallery in my home town of York. One of the paintings that really stood out for me was a painting of Clifford Tower painted of one of his visits to the city. If I had to choose one painting it would probably be ‘Going to the match’. I love the depth to the work and the scene, as in all Lowry’s work is one we can all recognize. I have spent a lot of time at The Lowry Gallery in Salford, Manchester, getting lost in his paintings. For anyone who hasn’t been, I thoroughly recommend it.
How would you describe your style?
My style is a blend of abstract minimalism, Suprematism with textures and techniques from graffiti art. I am obsessed with geometry and use light and shadows to create depth in the work.
Can you tell us about your artistic process?
I am often up early taking photographs of the first light hitting the buildings around the city. I use these photographs as inspiration, taking sections from a variety of shots and arranging them into a geometric composition. I work in layers I create a layer of Chaos where I have limited control over what the paint does, either through drips, paints bleeding into one another or spreading the paint across the canvas using a screen printing squeegee. Once this layer is dry I bring some order back to the painting through painting out sections and overlaying geometric shapes.
Is narrative important within your work?
Yes, narrative is very important to me in my work. Although I paint in a non- objective style, each painting is a story of emotions. I find it interesting how the viewer interprets the work. It makes me see them in a new light.
Who are your favourite artists and why?
My Favourite artists are Umberto Boccioni. I love the energy in his work. Kazimir Malevich because of the amazing geometric compositions and L.S. Lowry as I don’t think anyone has ever captured human behaviour as Lowry did. Even to this day you will see, or be part of a Lowry scene.
What or who inspires your art?
What inspires me most is my surroundings. I love the city, the architecture, the noise and the way the light is bounced around from building to building reflecting from the glass. This is a big feature of my work.
Where’s your studio and what’s it like?
My studio is in Bedminster, Bristol. I share it with three other artists. It’s nothing glamorous but I like it like that and it doesn’t cost the earth, unlike most studio spaces in Bristol. We also have a paint shop next door which is very handy.
Do you have any studio rituals?
Coffee, paint, coffee, paint, coffee, paint.
What are you working on currently?
I am currently working on a series of paintings entitled Angels and Saints. Using geometric shapes and light to create abstract compositions of how I imagine the higher dimension would look. So far I’ve created two paintings as the country got put on lockdown just as I’d started the first piece so couldn’t get down to the studio.
Where can we buy your art?
My work can be bought directly from me. Just drop me an email at info@richardshipley.art if you see something you like. Or through various internet platforms such as Singulart, ArtZine etc. All links are on the website richardshipley.art
