They’re a Rum Bunch
- Jennifer Grant
- 6 hours ago
- 3 min read
In this blog we look at the artists who are members of this illustrious gallery, so in no particular order we’re starting with Chris Schneider. Over to you Chris, as honest as possible, thank you.
When did you first realise you wanted to become an artist?
I remember being about 6. I was painting a figure and using brown paint. The arms of the jumper needed to stand out and I can remember thinking if I add black to the brown it will change the colour. I suppose that’s where it all started.
Did you follow formal training or are you self-taught?
I did 'O' and 'A' level art and went on to do a foundation in art at Worthing. The foundation course was great because I was able to try out all different kinds of disciplines from photography to life drawing. I didn’t think I could make a living as an artist so I decided to study graphic design at University. My thinking was I could still be creative but at least I would earn some money. I ended up running my own graphic design business but fell out of love with it and in 2019 I decided to become a full time artist.
What does your typical creative process look like from idea to finish piece?
I’m always trying to translate my experiences from being outside into a painting. I work from photographs I’ve taken and memory. I usually start with a basic thumb nail sketch. I use these sketches to work out composition and colours.
Where do your ideas come from?
Mainly from studying landscapes and the way light moves across the land. I do get very distracted when driving especially when the sky becomes dramatic and the light vivid. I used to live in Brighton and loved taking photos from an area called Racecourse Hill. From here you would get wonderful views across the South Downs and out to sea. I would go there when I knew a storm was coming in. The contrast between a dark stormy sky but still having sunshine across the land is always deeply moving to me. The downside of this, was getting back to my car before the rain poured down.
How would you describe your artistic style?
Messy and abstract
How’s your style evolved overtime? If so, how?
I’m trying to loosen up and not be too literal. I want to become more abstract and stronger.
Why do you choose the mediums you work with?
I started out using watercolours, wet in wet technique. I loved the way the paint would move. I moved on to using acrylics because of the intensity of colours. I use a range of mark-making techniques and layered applications to explore texture, rhythm, and space within my work. I’m loving crackle paste at the moment, it gives a beautiful texture to my work. I am fascinated with colour. It amazes me how colour changes depending on what colour it is next to. There is so much to learn.
What do you do when you’re not painting?
I love reading especially SF and I help my husband, who is a musician, with publicity materials, websites and video editing.
What do you hope people feel when they see your art?
I love when people have a connection to my work. When it makes them think of a place they have visited or when it brings up a memory. It’s always great to hear people’s responses.
What has been your biggest challenge as an artist?
Trying not to have imposter syndrome and thinking my work is a pile of poo.
How do you deal with criticism apart from shoot the buggers?
It always amuses me when I meet someone who thinks they are the ‘art police’.
What role does social media play in your work?
I’m trying to not become obsessed. I used to run a YouTube channel where I created a tutorial or a new painting every week. This totally drained my creativity as I was creating for other people and not for myself. Luckily I stepped away from this 2 years ago. When I first started posting on instagram, my phone became attached to my hand. It wasn’t very good for me and drove my husband mad. I’m trying to keep things in perspective.
Do you have any advice for emerging artists?
Don’t wait for the right moment, just do it.
Interview by Jen Grant
Chris Schneider works from her studio in Buxted, East Sussex, where she also runs art courses. She is a member of Chalk Gallery in Lewes and the Sussex Arts Collective. Chris regularly exhibits her work in Sussex.
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