This week I interviewed an amazing artist from Hampshire, England : Nina Clough. Nina has an Etsy shop, artquirk, full to the brim with delightful illustrations of the Little Red Riding Hood story and handsome portraits of houses and streets in Europe.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I live by the sea in Hampshire in England, and I spend one half of my week as artquirk the artist, and the other half as Nina the library assistant. I love the book, it's form, smell and paper so that's probably why I became an illustrator.
Since graduating from university, I have spent a lot of my time drawing architecture and people. I love things with character and age and stories on their faces. I have recently developed a new pleasure in designing wedding stationary as I am getting married in the autumn and I just can't help but get creative. We also bought a poor, neglected house 18 months ago and decorating it has been great fun. In fact, that is how I met matouenpeluche, buying beautiful artwork for my Deco inspired bathroom!
What first made you want to become an artist?
I don't remember ever having a choice in becoming an artist - it's just the way it went! I remember being put in a special Friday afternoon art class at primary school aged about 5 as the teachers thought i was quite good and i enjoyed it. I've just always wanted to study art and draw and don't know what else I would do. It's not the easiest, most lucrative profession, but I'd rather be poor and painting than stressed in the office! I used to be good at maths when I was younger and was tempted to become an architect but stupidly couldn't bare seven more years of education. Maybe one day I'll go back to uni and study to be the next Frank Lloyd Wright.....
Who are your favourite artists at the moment?
I'm useless at remembering names and my eye is too distracted to follow other artists. I know when I see something I like but don't ask me who it's by! My classic favourites are L.S. Lowry, Quentin Blake, Janis Brekte, Toulouse-Lautrec, David Gentleman, Aubrey Beardsley and anyone who has a beautiful quality of line, or bold use of colour. More modern faves include William Low, Claire Rollet and Ian Phillips. I am drawn to colours and shapes and any artist who appreciates a good cityscape!
What are your top five favourite movies at the moment?
I am actually quite a critical film watcher so my top 5 is quite tricky. If I base it on films I am happy to watch over and over again, my list includes Sideways as it's beautifully funny, Stand By Me for when I feel like I need a good cry, Aliens for when I need a bit of a scare, The Signs because I like a twist, and finally I'll have to say The Goonies, because i will always be a kid at heart and would have loved an adventure like that!
Where do you see yourself in ten years time?
In 10 years time I would like to own a plot of land in Cornwall, build a house, run a campsite, grow my own fruit and veg, have some ducks running around and still be drawing and painting. I fancy the Beatrix Potter lifestyle! Maybe I will have found myself an agent or had my work published somewhere, but who knows?! I've always thought that building you're own home is the ultimate dream in life. It won't be big and fancy but it will be great fun to do!! I will always paint and it would be an added delight if it makes me enough money to live off, but if not, I am happy knowing people out there like what I can do with a bit of ink!
A big thank you Nina for taking the time to answer my questions! The pieces here can all be found in Nina's shop artquirk.From top: Little REd Riding Hood Reaches Grandma's House, Little Red Riding Hood Meets the Wolf, Brighton Lanes II, Edinburgh Windows and Prague Castle Walls.
Her art work is gorgeous! Great interview... I always get such a kick out of your movie question. Thank you for sharing! xo
Posted by: Gabbi | May 07, 2009 at 09:21 AM
Always like her work/shop. The last photo is especially nice here. Great picks for her classic artists faves, too. :)
Posted by: Tina of Pfeiffer Photos | May 07, 2009 at 12:02 PM
Thanks for introducing me to another wonderful artist. The Little Red Riding Hood is such a great theme to play with. And Nina plays with it so beautifully!
Posted by: Tracy | May 07, 2009 at 11:49 PM
Gabbi - isn't she terrific? I always ask the movie question because I think a lot of people feel passionately about film and it's a good indicator about where they are at the moment and what their philosophy about life is!
Thank you Tina - I like the way Nina has street scenes from all over Europe - it's like a world tour visiting her shop!
Tracy - Little Red Riding Hood is a great theme, isn't it? I've often played around with it myself but haven't come up with anything I'm happy with yet!
Posted by: Sam | May 08, 2009 at 06:36 AM
Nina's work is so pretty! You always host such great interview and i always enjoy them lots! Thank you sam! Have a lovely merry happy day!
Posted by: Jacqueline | May 08, 2009 at 01:03 PM
Wow. All of her works posted here are amazing, but I LOVE the first one very much!
Thank you .
Posted by: Michiko | May 24, 2009 at 07:04 PM