People Power, 80 x 110 inches, by Anthony Seymour
There’s a vivid sincerity about Anthony Seymour’s art – his paintings jostle on the canvas and demands to be known. Many of his works are disturbing, disruptive even, expecting far more from you than a passive viewing.
Solitude, 30 x 40 inches, by Anthony Seymour
His works explore elements of the human condition at a deeply personal level. They provoke a response, which, however discomforting, can also be exhilarating.
Anthony’s bio on the Royal Drawing School Alumni page reads: “Anthony completed The Drawing Year in 2004 and moved to Bristol in 2006 in order to push his work further. He feels that working out-of-doors and living with the work at home is a blessing which opens up elemental and experimental possibilities to continue creating as an individual. His work is direct, authentic and opposed to collective demands, which he believes can otherwise stifle the spirit of the artist.”
It’s an ethos Anthony has remained true to.
Pregnancy, 40 x 40 inches, by Anthony Seymour
Becoming an artist felt inevitable to Anthony.
“It’s natural and I hit the ground running, but then the cultural reality becomes very complicated,” he says. “Same with anything, the class system is crucial to the selection procedure of who can or cannot survive as such, but that is another and even very convoluted challenge to question!”
Anthony describes painting as “a biological compulsive experiment to a different attraction. All processes of sensory perception communicate as abstract philosophy and pattern making in art.”
Despite this, he claims that the messages he sows in his work is incidental, rather than the aim.
“Drawing naked women is probably the best motivation. You see, it’s never really been about being an abstract artist for me, it’s more about survival.”
Reclining Figure, oil on canvas, by Anthony Seymour
Anthony has experienced both the best and worst elements of being an artist. “I love/hate being an artist,” he says. “Logistics are always impractical as there is no sustainable funding if you don’t give up but keep going on instead! It’s a serious challenge to find way to support new works that will explore experimental and risk-taking ways to increase professional income. People are welcome to make suggestions and offers or contribute/collect.”
He adds: “It’s always been great having my own head space, which nobody and nothing yet has succeeded in knocking out.”
Find Anthony on the Royal Drawing School alumni page, on Facebook and on LinkedIn.
Are you an artist or do you know an artist who would like to be showcased on SkyLightRain.com? Get in touch at judydarley (at) iCloud.com. I’m also happy to receive reviews of books, exhibitions, theatre and film. To submit or suggest a review, please send an email to judydarley (at) iCloud.com.