Ministry of Arts Podcast

 In this episode Gary Mansfield speaks to John Costi (@bapou_costi) This is John Costi’s second appearance on the Ministry of Arts Podcast, the first being ep.48. He is known for his conceptual and often collaborative work, which explores themes of culture, identity, and history. In 2012, Costi had a notable experience traveling to Venice with artist Jeremy Deller. The trip was part of a project facilitated by the Koestler Trust, an organization that supports creative work by prisoners, ex-offenders, and young people at risk. Deller, a renowned artist known for his interest in social contexts, invited Costi to join him in Venice during the Venice Biennale, where they explored the intersections of art, prison reform, and personal narrative. This journey allowed Costi to engage in a broader dialogue about the transformative potential of art, especially for marginalized communities. The Venice trip exemplified Costi’s approach to art-making—collaborative, reflective, and deeply attuned to the social and political dimensions of creative expression. John and Jeremy have co-curated Koestler Arts’ annual exhibition at Southbanks, Royal festival Hall, ‘No Comment’ runs until 15th December. For more information on No Comment at the Royal Festival Hall go to https://koestlerarts.org.uk/  To Support this podcast from as little as £3 per month: www.patreon/ministryofarts For full line up of confirmed artists go to https://www.ministryofarts.orgEmail: ministryofartsorg@gmail.comSocial Media: @ministryofartsorg  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode Gary Mansfield speaks to Ange Bell (@angebellart) “My work focuses on the themes of origins and belonging and it is this concern that has formed the basis of my practice. Whether collecting and working from found photographs or, as in recent months, working from selfies taken by Instagram users.” “Through the act of painting I reclaim and invigorates with added permanence and significance, a moment lost in the instant it occurred. Within the portraits there is an echo of that which is lost and sought, it speaks at times to our sense of nostalgia, and at others to our desire to be seen, recognised and valued. The act of retrieving and reviving is at the core of my practice, from the sourcing of material to the process of painting itself.” “Creating detailed studies in oil, and through a process of working back in to the surface and exploring mark making techniques, I distort, eliminate and manipulate the image to create a visual language. I aim to create a portrait that not only captures a likeness but also has a vibrancy and depth to it as well as the desire to create a painting with which the viewer can establish a point of communication.”  For more information on the work of Ange Bell go tohttps://www.angebellart.com  To Support this podcast from as little as £3 per month: www.patreon/ministryofarts For full line up of confirmed artists go to https://www.ministryofarts.orgEmail: ministryofartsorg@gmail.comSocial Media: @ministryofartsorg  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode Gary Mansfield speaks to Mr Bingo (@Mr_Bingstagram) Mr Bingo is an artist, speaker and twat, celebrated for his unique blend of humour and sharp social commentary. Emerging from a background in graphic design, he became widely known for his irreverent hand-drawn postcards that capture the absurdities of modern life. His bold illustrations often feature playful typography and vibrant colours, reflecting his distinctive voice in contemporary art. One of Mr Bingo’s standout projects is the “Hate Mail” initiative, where he invited fans to send him hate messages, which he then transformed into personalised, humorous artworks. This project not only showcased his creativity but also turned negativity into something positive and engaging, resonating with audiences around the world. In addition to his illustration work, Mr Bingo has published several books and collaborated with various brands and publications, further expanding his reach in the art community. His pieces often explore themes of relationships, loneliness, and the quirks of human nature, inviting viewers to reflect on their own experiences. Through his engaging style and witty insights, Mr Bingo continues to captivate a diverse audience, making art that is both accessible and thought-provoking, while maintaining a playful edge that is unmistakably his own. For more information on the work of Mr Bingo go tohttps://mr.bingo To Support this podcast from as little as £3 per month: www.patreon/ministryofarts For full line up of confirmed artists go to https://www.ministryofarts.orgEmail: ministryofartsorg@gmail.comSocial Media: @ministryofartsorg  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode Gary Mansfield speaks to Genevieve Leavold (@genevieveleavold)  “I am a self-taught painter from Somerset UK. I originally trained in Theatre Design specialising in Scenic Painting and prop making. My love for creating immersive spaces informed my approach to painting as I hope to take the viewer into another world, a place of energetic exchange and flow. “​ “I use abstraction to explore concepts of self, and our relationship to the natural world. Taking a meditative approach to my process the paintings are created by layering transparent glazes and opaque marks. There is a vital element of movement in this process: it's physical: using large brushes to lay out the composition of the work and moving with the brushstrokes.” “I have always loved dance and this deeply informs my practice, I want to take you somewhere in these abstract forms, to a memory or a feeling that sits just out of sight. “ “My paintings are driven by and express a need for harmony, in the movement and the palette I use. There's rhythm in nature and I feel that my unplanned gestures and brushstokes chime with this rhythmic flow. “ For more information on the work of Genevieve Leavold go to https://www.genevieveleavold.com/  To Support this podcast from as little as £3 per month: www.patreon/ministryofarts For full line up of confirmed artists go to https://www.ministryofarts.orgEmail: ministryofartsorg@gmail.comSocial Media: @ministryofartsorg  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this bonus episode Gary Mansfield speaks to Constance Anne (@ConstanceAnne.ca) who is showing in the New Art Fair 2024, at the Truman Brewery, London, from 27-29 September 2024Constance Anne is an artist based in London UK, her artwork celebrates people and personalties.Her artwork is inspired by people and connection. By the odd mixes of personality, diversity, and life experiences that make us who we are. Her abstract portraits have a focus on the face in a way that plays on facial proportion, features and the body. She shows how things that are perhaps ‘odd’ or ‘weird’ can also be beautifully interesting. Her paintings explore personality and style through the look each can hold. She loves colour, her expressive and vibrant portrait paintings and artworks are a beautiful statement for interiors.​The Signatures Collection brings abstract minimalist features, with focus on elongation and a particular positioning of the face. Each face has a completely different personality and all are looking to the viewer's right, looking forward, looking on. The Classics Collection shows the face as an anchor point, that looks back at you and draws you into thinking about where this character may be going or what they may be doing in the surroundings they are painted in. Each personality has a personal theme explored by their surroundings, clothes or background. The Scenes Collection show the person and theme explored by a scene or location they exist in.The Scenes Collection show the person and theme explored by a scene they are captured in.Constance grew up in Liverpool Merseyside in the UK (home to The Beatles) where she takes great inspiration. She is half Welsh and day to day she goes by the name Connie.Constance is currently based in London and is exhibiting throughout the Uk.From 27-29 September, Constance will be showing their work at the New Artist Fair at in the Truman Brewery, Brick Lane, London, E1 – For more details go to https://www.newartistfair.com/ To Support this podcast from as little as £3 per month: www.patreon/ministryofarts For full line up of confirmed artists go to https://www.ministryofarts.orgEmail: ministryofartsorg@gmail.comSocial Media: @ministryofartsorg Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode Gary Mansfield speaks to The Artist Kitty (@kitty_arttist71) who is showing in the New Art Fair 2024, at the Truman Brewery, London, from 27-29 September.I have known The Artist Kitty for over 25 years, all that time and more she has battled severe mental health, namely Paranoid Schizophrenia; sometimes ahead of the battle, others not so. She was previously very creative, working for a screen printers’, and drawing & painting. I had tried to encourage her to revisit it many times, but confidence and change of route had become a challenge.Then at the start of lock-down, out of the blue, she ordered several canvases, brushes and an array of paints and started painting. Within no time, she developed her own style; that just ooze happiness & positivity.She now says that painting is as beneficial as any medication; the BIRDS represent this new-found freedom, FLOWERS her growth and the CAGE that occasionally appears, is her condition... That seems to show itself a lot less nowadays.I have tried so many times to get Kitty on the pod, but her lack of confidence has always got the upper hand... Until today! Kitty has never shown her work outside of Instagram, where she has developed a much appreciated following; from 27-29 September, I will be showing/selling her work at the New Artist Fair at in the Truman Brewery, Brick Lane, London, E1 – For more details go to https://www.newartistfair.com/ To Support this podcast from as little as £3 per month: www.patreon/ministryofarts For full line up of confirmed artists go to https://www.ministryofarts.orgEmail: ministryofartsorg@gmail.comSocial Media: @ministryofartsorg Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this bonus episode Gary Mansfield speaks to Beth Evans (@B.evansdesigns) who is showing in the New Art Fair 2024, at the Truman Brewery, London, from 27-29 September 2024B Evans Designs, established in March 2019, meant that I could combine two of my greatest passions in my life; my love for painting & animals.For as long as I can remember, creating art has always been something that has bought me joy. From my parents letting me cover our dining room table in pen, to completing my A-Level in art, it has always stuck with me. B Evans Designs allows me to have my creative freedom and capturing the amazing animals we are lucky enough to live along side of.  For more information on the work of Beth Evans go to bevansdesigns.comFrom 27-29 September, Beth Evans will be showing their work at the New Artist Fair at in the Truman Brewery, Brick Lane, London, E1 – For more details go to https://www.newartistfair.com/ To Support this podcast from as little as £3 per month: www.patreon/ministryofarts For full line up of confirmed artists go to https://www.ministryofarts.orgEmail: ministryofartsorg@gmail.comSocial Media: @ministryofartsorg Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this bonus episode Gary Mansfield speaks to Vitor Lopes (@vitorlopes.art), who is showing in the New Art Fair 2024, at the Truman Brewery, London, from 27-29 September 2024For years I have explored different avenues of creative expression, fully immersing myself in the works of artists and the extensive realm of art history. My expertise primarily stems from self-teaching, supplemented by short courses in drawing, sculpture, mould making, casting, 3D modeling, and product design. However, it was only three years ago that I made the conscious decision to fully embrace the world of fine art photography, from concept, photography, printing and framing. Mystyle reflects limitless creativity and a distinct artistic flair, involving the human body and powerfull messages of hope, love and reflection. For more information on the work of Vitor Lopes go to https://vitorlopes.art From 27-29 September, Vitor Lopes will be showing their work at the New Artist Fair at in the Truman Brewery, Brick Lane, London, E1 – For more details go to https://www.newartistfair.com/ To Support this podcast from as little as £3 per month: www.patreon/ministryofarts For full line up of confirmed artists go to https://www.ministryofarts.orgEmail: ministryofartsorg@gmail.comSocial Media: @ministryofartsorg Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode Gary Mansfield speaks to Nana SRT (@nana.S.R.T) Nana Sakura Rosalia Tinley Klimek, aka Nana SRT, is a visual artist working primarily in photography. She lives and works between London and Vienna. Introduced by her father to the NikonFM as an early teen, Nana picked up photography and darkroom as a voluntary side subject in high school. She shot her first personal series depicting caged zoo animals’ eyes at around the age of 18.  Around that time she moved to England and quickly became involved in the London dance scene. Her photography remained a private pastime. In 2009, NSRT shot her first dance series entitled Move!, which is included in her public portfolio today. Finding herself amidst heaps of photographs, in 2019 NSRT decided to share some of these publicly, and took the leap to participate in art fairs, making her debut at The Other Art Fair w Saatchi Art in Brooklyn, New York.Various art fairs have followed since, including Red Dot at Miami Art Week (2022 and 2023), Art Wynwood (Miami 2023), and Art Santa Fe (2023). NSRT has exhibited at some group shows including: at Bergdorff Goodman (NYC), Orchard Galerie (NYC), and some independently run local art events in East London. She launched her first book DAIDO LOVE at Offspring London and Peckham24, published by Photobook Café Editions, in May 2024. Daido Love is stocked in London at The Photographers Gallery, and Photobook Café, and in Vienna at Westlicht. NSRT continues to immerse herself in the world of dance and draws inspiration from it.  To Support this podcast from as little as £3 per month: www.patreon/ministryofarts For full line up of confirmed artists go to https://www.ministryofarts.orgEmail: ministryofartsorg@gmail.comSocial Media: @ministryofartsorg  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this bonus episode Gary Mansfield speaks to Jonny Mellor (@JonnyMellorArt) who is showing in the New Art Fair 2024, at the Truman Brewery, London, from 27-29 September 2024I am an artist strongly influenced by minimalism and geometric abstraction. I use this visual language to create paintings, prints and hand cut paper art . The exploration of colour, process, materials, space and form are central to my practice.I am interested in taking forms, shapes and patterns and combining these with carefully considered colour combinations. I am continually striving to achieve balance and harmony within my works composition and colour pallet.Amongst the barrage of visual stimulation and the overall increasingly chaoticness of life, minimalist art is at rest, creating a quiet harmony and balance which offers the viewer a space of calmness and contemplation. For more information on the work of Jonny Mellor go to jonnymellor.co.ukFrom 27-29 September, Jonny Mellor will be showing their work at the New Artist Fair at in the Truman Brewery, Brick Lane, London, E1 – For more details go to https://www.newartistfair.com/ To Support this podcast from as little as £3 per month: www.patreon/ministryofarts For full line up of confirmed artists go to https://www.ministryofarts.orgEmail: ministryofartsorg@gmail.comSocial Media: @ministryofartsorg Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this bonus episode Gary Mansfield speaks to Stella Zuegel (@stellazuegelart) who is showing in the New Art Fair 2024, at the Truman Brewery, London, from 27-29 September 2024Contemporary geometric artist Stella Zuegel creates unique art using both watercolour on paper, and acrylic and oil paint on canvas. Each piece is painted free hand and takes between 3-24 months to complete. In her work, Stella plays with shapes and colours to create depth, dimension and cohesion. These curate a journey of free-flowing exploration through individual shapes, larger patterns and the composition as a whole for the audience.Stella’s work is inspired both by the poignant stories and emotions of herself and the people she meets and by an organic curiosity towards the very nature of self and the universe. Her work is thus a geometric representation of her inner path to discover the essence of her being and her journey towards understanding the world and its people, whilst also being a colourful expression of human experience and emotion. For more information on the work of Stella Zuegel go to www.stellazuegelart.comFrom 27-29 September, Stella Zuegel will be showing their work at the New Artist Fair at in The Truman Brewery, Brick Lane, London, E1 – For more details go to https://www.newartistfair.com/ For full line up of confirmed artists go to https://www.ministryofarts.orgEmail: ministryofartsorg@gmail.comSocial Media: @ministryofartsorg Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode Gary Mansfield speaks to Natalie Chapman (@nataliechapmanartist)Natalie Chapman paints portraits that engage with family identity and issues based around dysfunctional relationships and social documentary. She is influenced by the work of photographers Richard Billingham and Nan Golding, and have similarly focused on spontaneous snapshot- compositions, saturated colour space and incidental objects in order to set a scene of everyday life. She has returned to the same old photographs of her childhood, to re-arrange her memories and work through family history and its daily struggle. Natalie wants her work to feel edgy and to seduce the viewer into contemplating ambiguous tension, a sense of emptiness, boredom and anxiety. Her process involves capturing memories using small collages of family portraits with interior scenes recalled from childhood. These studies are scaled up on large canvases to create presence and intensify personal stories using gritty expression and garish colour. She wants to create images about human relationships that are simultaneously tender and dysfunctional. For more information on the work of Natalie Chapman go tohttps://nataliechapmanartist.co.uk To Support this podcast from as little as £3 per month: www.patreon/ministryofarts For full line up of confirmed artists go to https://www.ministryofarts.orgEmail: ministryofartsorg@gmail.comSocial Media: @ministryofartsorg Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this bonus episode Gary Mansfield speaks to Gallery No32 (@gallery_no.32)​Taking inspiration from our grassroots, DIY heritage, 2025's PARK is a space for experimentation. This year, we're not only encouraging fully formed applications, but also ideas, WIPs and sculptural question marks so that together, we can build our 4th and most exciting sculpture park to date. We have a new venue! We are re-opening Thamesview Golf Course in Thamesmead, South East London for the return of the PARK. The site has been closed to the public for over a decade and we're excited to be reactivating this amazing space with art, culture and exploration. Everyone can apply. We encourage applications from artists at all stages of their creative career.No fees. Winter Sculpture Park remains free to view, free to show.This year our open call welcomes all forms of sculpture, public art, participatory art, land art and architecture. We are also inviting applications for workshops and creative activities.​DEADLINE: Sunday 29th September 2024.​​ ​Thamesview Golf Centre has been out of use for over a decade, leaving the attached green spaces fenced off and inaccessible to the public. The site hosts a neglected two story clubhouse with rooftop viewing platforms, a paved forecourt and two large fields separated by chain link fencing. Developing ideas for Winter Sculpture Park submissions requires a consideration of the land for installation and durability. The No.32 team is here to support your plans with this! So do give us a nudge if you have any questions or need some advice. Thamesview Golf Centre, 2 Fairway Drive, Thamesmead, London SE28 8QN What3Words: Hedge.Thus.RewardFor more information on the work of Winter Sculpture Park 2025 go to: https://www.galleryno32.co.uk/sculpture2025.htmlTo Support this podcast from as little as £3 per month: www.patreon/ministryofartsIf you would like to promote your work, exhibition or any other creative project, please contact us at:Social Media: @ministryofartsorgEmail: ministryofartsorg@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode Gary Mansfield speaks to Tom Hunter (tomhunterphotography) Tom Hunter is an artist using photography and film, living and working in East London. He is an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Photographic Society and has an Honorary Doctorate from the University of East London. Tom has earned several awards during his career, including the Rose Award for Photography at the Royal Academy, London and the Photographic Portrait Prize at the National Portrait Gallery, London. Tom graduated from the London College of Printing in 1994 with his work ‘The Ghetto’, which is now on permanent display at the Museum of London. He studied for his MA at the Royal College of Art, where, in 1996, he was awarded the Photography Prize by Fuji Film for his series ‘Travellers’. In 1998 ‘Woman Reading a Possession Order’ from his series ‘Persons Unknown’, won the Photographic Portrait Award at the National Portrait Gallery. In 2006 Tom became the only artist to have a solo photography show at the National Gallery, London with his series ‘Living in Hell and Other Stories’. For more information on the work of Tom Hunter go tohttps://www.tomhunter.org  To Support this podcast from as little as £3 per month: www.patreon/ministryofarts For full line up of confirmed artists go to https://www.ministryofarts.orgEmail: ministryofartsorg@gmail.comSocial Media: @ministryofartsorg  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this bonus episode Gary Mansfield speaks to Peter Li (@pli.panda)Peter Li is an Architectural Photographer based in London, renowned for his exceptional architectural artwork. His artistic talent has been widely recognized, with notable achievements including securing first place in the Architecture Category at the Epson International Pano Awards in 2018 and 2022. His work has been shortlisted at esteemed competitions such as the Sony World Photography Awards and the British Photography Awards in 2020. In the same year, Peter was honored with the distinguished title of "Architecture Photographer of the Year" in the amateur division of the International Photography Awards.Peter's captivating photographs have been featured in publications such as The Times, The Telegraph, Time Out London, Fubiz, Colossal, Beaux Art, My Modern Met, as well as various photography and art publications. His exceptional architectural work have led to a collaboration with Nikon, where he has been selected as one of their Creators in Nikon Europe in 2023.For more information on the work of Peter Li go to https://www.plipictures.com/To Support this podcast from as little as £3 per month: www.patreon/ministryofartsIf you would like to promote your work, exhibition or any other creative project, please contact us at:Social Media: @ministryofartsorgEmail: ministryofartsorg@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode Gary Mansfield speaks to Jessie Woodward (@jessieabstract) Jessie is an abstract painter and mixed media Artist, based in Bristol. She has exhibited works throughout the UK and sold her vibrant pieces worldwide. Jessie’s instinctive way of working explores the language of paint and mark making to evoke emotions in the viewer, aiming to communicate how pure abstract work can generate visual energetic joy and pleasure. The way Jessie experiments with materials, a vibrant colour palette and juxtaposing textures is key to making each piece vividly unique. She looks at the dynamics created when colours, marks, textures and ratios are set with and against each other to create a cohesive piece.  For more information on the work of Jessie Woodward go tohttps://www.jessiewoodward.co.uk/  To Support this podcast from as little as £3 per month: www.patreon/ministryofarts For full line up of confirmed artists go to https://www.ministryofarts.orgEmail: ministryofartsorg@gmail.comSocial Media: @ministryofartsorg Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode Gary Mansfield speaks to Katy Baird (@thenewlookkatyb)  As an artist Katy has performed at performance festivals and venues across Europe as well as squat parties, clubs and raves.Her debut studio-based performance Workshy, a show about work and the things we do for money, was a smash hit and toured internationally to over 30 cities.She has received commissions from Battersea Arts Centre, Wellcome Trust, The Yard Theatre, Camden People’s Theatre and Duckie amongst others. Since 2016 she has been artist in residence at queer club night Knickerbocker.She is currently working on a new solo show entitled Get Off, due to be touring 2023/24As a Curator she founded and co-produces Steakhouse Live, a DIY platform in London for radical performance practices and is currently Artistic Director of Home Live Art, producers of live events across Hastings, the South East and beyond.Katy has also worked as an independent producer at Fierce Festival (Birmingham) and Manchester International Festival, as well as a guest lecturer at the University of Chichester, Central School of Speech and Drama, Rose Bruford College, Goldsmiths University, University of East London and University of Dundee.From 2012-2017 she worked as Coordinator at the Live Art Development Agency in London.  For more information on the work of Katy Baird go tohttps://katybaird.com Thanks to Anna @abstraktpublicity for the connection*Cover Image via:@JMA.Photo To Support this podcast from as little as £3 per month: www.patreon/ministryofarts For full line up of confirmed artists go to https://www.ministryofarts.orgEmail: ministryofartsorg@gmail.comSocial Media: @ministryofartsorg Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode Gary Mansfield speaks to Luke Hannam (@LukeHannamPaintings) Luke Hannam’s works are celebrated for their vibrant colours, dynamic compositions, and emotional depth.Hannam's early exposure to the arts fuelled his passion for painting, leading him to study at Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design. Hannam's paintings are characterised by their bold use of colour and texture, creating a sense of movement and life on the canvas.His work draws inspiration from his love 0f literature, music, as well as his personal experiences, resulting in pieces that are both introspective and universally relatable. In addition to his painting, Hannam is also a professional musician, integrating his artistic sensibilities into his musical endeavours. His multifaceted approach to creativity continues to inspire and captivate audiences, solidifying his reputation as a significant figure in contemporary art.  To Support this podcast from as little as £3 per month: www.patreon/ministryofarts For full line up of confirmed artists go to https://www.ministryofarts.orgEmail: ministryofartsorg@gmail.comSocial Media: @ministryofartsorg  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode Gary Mansfield speaks to Rosa Roberts (@rosa_roberts_) Rosa Roberts grew up in Norfolk on a fruit farm, and moved to London with her family in her teenage years, later studying Fine Art at Central St Martin's. She ran a business which designed and ran drawing workshops in London Museums for 8 years until deciding to go full-time as a painter in 2020. Rosa has developed a unique style that combines traditional techniques with modern themes, exploring the nuances of human experience and the natural world. Her work often reflects a deep connection to the landscapes of her native Britain, infusing her canvases with a sense of place and emotional resonance, possibly influenced by the work of her parents, her Father a farmer and her Mother a photographer. Rosa has exhibited widely across the UK and internationally. Her paintings are characterized by their vibrant colour palettes, dynamic compositions, and an intricate interplay of light and shadow across an array of surfaces.  Her work has been featured in prominent galleries and art fairs, cementing her reputation as a noticeable figure in contemporary British art. Through her paintings, Rosa Roberts continues to inspire and engage audiences, offering a window into her profound appreciation for the world around her.  For more information on the work of Rosa Roberts go tohttps:// Rosaroberts.com  To Support this podcast from as little as £3 per month: www.patreon/ministryofarts For full line up of confirmed artists go to https://www.ministryofarts.orgEmail: ministryofartsorg@gmail.comSocial Media: @ministryofartsorg  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

 In this episode Gary Mansfield speaks to Peter Stapleton (@peterstapletonart) Peter was born in the city of Manchester, in the UK and his early years were significantly influenced by the complexities of coming from a family heavily in serious crime. Eventually Peter ended up in prison, charged with armed robbery on security vans. After spending several years on the run in South Africa, Peter was arrested and brought back to the UK. ​It was during his time at a High Security Prison that Peter discovered he had a talent for painting and it was here that his passion for art was born.​Eventually working his way to an Open Prison for good behaviour, Peter was released from prison every day to attend Staffordshire University, where he gained a BA (Hons) Fine Art.​Painting in a Hyperrealistic style, Peters work focused on his experiences of Prison life. He looks for drama in a painting and invites the viewer to question what is going on. Painting in a precise and detailed way he likes to work in layers using a rich and saturated palette, giving depth to his paintings. For more information on the work of Peter Stapleton go tohttps://www.peterstapletonart.com To Support this podcast from as little as £3 per month: www.patreon/ministryofarts For full line up of confirmed artists go to https://www.ministryofarts.orgEmail: ministryofartsorg@gmail.comSocial Media: @ministryofartsorg  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.