Name: Dan Abbott / abrock

Country:

Job: Artist / Designer

Url: http://www.overstanding.co.uk

About: My work is largely painting, drawing and vector work derived from drawings. I use shapes and layers to create abstract landscapes and compositions. I began by painting one colour, solid backgrounds and then adding shapes on a second layer, usually in black. These days I’m taking it much further and working with many more layers. I like to work with a frame of mind that allows mistakes and encourages accidents. It’s a method of working where nothing is wrong, but sometimes the shapes and layers work better than others, at least in the mind of the artist. I tend to paint on canvas and cardboard and use acrylic paint and emulsion. I only really draw with pens – Sharpies and fineliners. I’ve exhibited in shows in London, New York, Munich, Gothenburg and Bristol. I’ve lived in London for over two years after living in Bristol for a few years. These are densely urban, manic places that have undoubtedly had an influence on my work and my life.

Get Inspired by: I’m inspired simply by living my life and walking around with my eyes open, but more specifically by how life is represented in urban art, graffiti and graphic design. I also think it is important to cite more personal influences such as intense and extreme, life-changing experiences and the environment in which the pieces are created. I certainly think that living in London has influenced my work as everywhere you go there is something happening, whether it is a market selling some old frames to use in a piece or the resulting chaos that occasionally erupts on public transport as people from all walks of life battle to get to where they are going before anyone else. A recent battle with serious illness has allowed me to take a step back from the chaos and also take influence from extreme personal trauma. Whether this influence is just that I am working harder at something I love, or whether it actually makes me paint different shapes, layers and lines is a mess I am trying to get clear in my head at the moment. But, for now, I’m happy with the muddle I’m making on the canvas. I also think that the physical environment of the studio has an impact on an artist’s work. For example, I’ve worked in a tiny bedroom in a small flat, and this resulted in tight, clean and careful shapes. When I work outside, my work becomes less controlled and more expressive. Major influences in terms of other artists are Will Barras, Robert Hardgrave, Richt, Mr Jago and Adam Neate. I like the way these artists are not afraid to be abstract.