Nick Grindrod — ART PRESENCE

Which 3 words best define how you would like your art to be perceived?

PLAYFUL, CONSIDERED & NOSTALGIC

What creative challenge have you faced and overcome that has transformed your art practice?

After coming home from uni I was an illustrator/muralist for few years before my wife Sarah and I went traveling and on our return decided to get on the hamster wheel. Everything snowballed and we ended up in debt with a large mortgage. I'd lost a family member I was very close too, this sent me sideways and made me realise that it wasn't what I wanted out of life. We sold up and move into a small flat. A hard decision at the time but it enabled both of us to focus on what we love.
No regrets at all.

What tools do you use as part of the preliminary stages of your process?

I like to use a sketchbook and make vague biro plans. I also love to thumb through art and interior books for colour combos.

How do you usually start an art session - any habits or rituals ?

I love to walk to the studio. It clears my head. When I get into the studio I scrape off the paint from my palette get fresh water and make new decisions about the previous day's work.

How do you deal with doubts and fears?

I don't have any fears really. As long as I'm making work that's honest that is.
Doubts come and go. I think every artist worth their salt questions the why and the what. It's how we move forward with our practice.

With what intentions do you infuse your art making?

It's a tough question. As an abstract painter you're asking questions constantly about colour, form and composition. The way the paint is applied and removed, the elements that you can't control through removing paint and how it reacts to abrasion, water and heat. These are the things that excite me.

Where do you draw your color inspiration from ?

Pretty much from my environment. I'm inspired by graphics, architecture, marketing propaganda.
I enjoy how time influences paint and substrate. Fading, discoloration even warping.

What brilliant piece of advice were given on your creative journey and would be happy to share?

I think listen. Not to other people, just to yourself. How else are we supposed to make honest work?

What is something absurd that you love doing ?

Apart from painting?!! Nothing interesting!

What do you like about your work & what do you dislike about it?

I have a thing about making work, I'm excited by the process and the decisions making in the moment, and also knowing when a painting is finished. I love when things go wrong and reveal weird little qualities in the work. But I tend to let the works go. I find it hard to like/love my own work. I don't dislike it either!