What forms of creativity were part of your life growing up? Was there something in particular that influenced your ideas?
As a kid, it was always drawing and painting. Sitting with my sister at the kitchen table with loads of pens paper and paints was a daily occurrence. Making pictures has been with me forever. I’m a big believer that everything you experience influences you in some way, so I can’t pin point anything specific for my ideas. Literally, anything can inspire me.
Did you ever think that you’d be doing what you do know?
I have always had a blind ambition to be a musician; it was the only thing I ever wanted to be. Art was something I always did and loved, but I never imagined I’d be doing my own solo exhibitions.
How did you start working with the Loose London boys?
Loose sent me an email in November last year; they asked if I’d be interested in working with them. They told me about who they were and what they wanted to achieve, and I really related and liked their ideas. I think we are both coming from a pretty DIY angle and it felt right for the level I am at with my work.
I spent a lot of time thinking about human nature and the way we treat each other. A year of global political turmoil but also a year I have found the most happiness in my own personal life…
Laurie Vincent
Could you tell us a little bit about the work featured in the exhibition?
This exhibition really feels like the first time my artwork has become fully realised. I’ve been in a new studio in Brighton for a year now, and a lot has happened in my life. I think the work has developed substantially in that time. All the work reflects elements of ideas I’ve been developing for quite a while. I spent a lot of time thinking about human nature and the way we treat each other. A year of global political turmoil but also a year I have found the most happiness in my own personal life can be seen in the juxtaposition of the colour and subject matter I use. My artwork really is something I do to get all my thoughts out.
Do you split your time between music and art? Or do they just bleed into one another?
If I’m at home, I have a routine where I go to the studio, if I’m on tour I’m in band mode. Right now, they are bleeding together as my show is in the midst of festival season. I sometimes use elements of my art in the band, but as a whole, I like to keep my painting practice separate. It is an escape and it helps me enjoy the band, even more, when I go back to it.
If you could change anything about the art industry, what would it be and why?
I don’t feel like I’ve learnt enough yet to form a good enough response. Ask me again in 5 years.
Do you think you are creatively satisfied? What motivates you to create new work?
Yes, being creative is what makes me happy and keeps me going. I’ve realised this recently, painting is so important to me as my music relies on other people to create it, if the time or inspiration doesn’t flow you can be left going months or even years without even writing a song. Art means I can carry on being creative full time; I am my only limit in this world.
Lastly, what advice would you give to anyone hoping to start out in the art world?
Paint for you, make art you want to hang on your own walls. The rest will follow.
Loose with Laurie Vincent is open to the public between the 11th and 15th of August, 2017, 12 – 6 pm daily at the Hoxton Arches, 402 Cremer St, London, E2 8HD.