Published 01/10/2021
Award winning artist Faye Bridgwater lives in Brighton and Hove. Our Artist Manager recently interviewed Bridgwater about her practice and inspirations.
What is your favourite time of the day to be in your studio?
For me, it's completely random. Never early in the morning. Once I get stuck in, I can easily get paint for 12 hours without stopping. I do like a late night session though!
Who has influenced you and your work?
So many influences. Having studied Sculpture at University: David Nash, Rachel Whiteread, Sarah Lucas, Barbara Hepworth. I am also a lover of photography so: Lee Friedlander, Bill Brandt, Martin Parr. Painting-wise: Howard Hodgkins, Turner, Constable and, of course, Grayson Perry, who I will be seeing speak at Brighton Dome next week.
What is your process when creating and capturing these scenes?
Photography is very important. It is always a starting point for me. I work from the photos and then move away. This makes it much more instinctive. It is then all about the paint on the canvas. How it feels, how it looks, my emotional response. I always work on a collection, spontaneously moving between; never one canvas.
You were invited to be an artist in residence at Glyndebourne Opera, how did this experience shape your work?
I was asked to put together a solo exhibition for Glyndebourne, with the stunning Sussex landscapes that the opera house is nestled within. The exhibition was a massive confidence boost because it sold out in 24 hours and the feedback was overwhelming.
You are currently part of an exhibition at the Saatchi Gallery, how did this come about?
I am so thrilled to be selected for the In Bloom exhibition at the Saatchi Gallery until 9th October. The Saatchi Gallery approved me after seeing my work at Art Car Boot Fair.
Finally, if you could invite 6 people from history to dinner, who would they be and why?
Honestly, as I haven't had a dinner party with all my friends for so long, I would love a dinner party with them an all nighter with them afterwards. I can't wait to have them around. In fact, I am going to invite them now!
