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Val Cannon
Interview with the artist
What is the first artwork you ever sold?
The senior art lecturer at college bought my first painting inspired by Klimt. A figurative piece with a nude female and male. I did not know what to charge and know now that she has invested well.
If you could pick just three colours to work with what would they be?
Coffee as in real coffee granules which can be made in differing solutions for differing tones. Black ink for subtle mark making and depth. Pthalo Blue, deep and dark, always mixing with other colours. White too.
What item could you not do without?
My fingers, my hands. I always end up using my hands to soften marks and paint strokes. They get sore sometimes with all the washing in turpentine. Dry too. Need to look after them better.
Who is your own favourite artist?
Joan Eardley, Otto Dix, Leonardo Da Vinci for his wonderful figure drawings.
What was the last exhibition you visited?
Andy Warhol at National Galleries, Edinburgh. Took the kids, but they'd seen it all before in books and mags. The walls had been done up like wallpaper using his images, what a brilliant effect. .....and Picassos ceramics at the museum, I love his drawings and these were drawings on unusual ceramics. ...great!!!
Do you find art relaxing?
That depends on the subjects of the painting. Subjects which raise emotions in me usually are the reason for my paintings, but yes it relaxes the mind from other routine situations. I find it a personal challenge and builds me an inner stength.
What is the worst thing somebody could say about your art?
A lady recently said that she was shocked and hated a painting of a child which I had deliberately portrayed in an unusually dark way. I said beauty was in the eye of the beholder and she agreed but it still took her breath away to have to think of this darker side of childhood. This is the meaning of these pieces of art.
Do you display your own art at home?
My art is everywhere in my home. Displayed mostly because there is nowhere else to store it until an exhibition or art fair. I have favourite paintings and will never sell them.
Where do you work, do you have a studio?
I used to have a studio about an hour from home which was not practical. Now that I have had my house extended I have plenty of room indoors and outdoors to development my work. It is flexible and I am happier with this set-up.
What media would you like to try out?
I dabbled with glass smelting while at college. I would love to go to a Glass school in Italy to learn their stained glass and contemporary methods of glass art.
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