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Rupert Kirby - art and words
March 30, 2007 |
[-interview and art-]
an interview with artist Rupert Kirby about his drawings
Rupert Kirby does fantastically detailed drawings and we thought it would be fun and instructive to hear his thoughts about the process of making them.
“Citrus” © 2005 - 2007 all rights reserved - rupert kirby
How would you characterize your drawings?
Probably abstract, but often I find objects like musical instruments, or eyes, or leaves or flowers just seem to materialise. Other things such as steps and tunnels, walls and arches also bridge into the design.
What are these drawn with? Do you always use the same kind of drawing tools?
I use an HB pencil usually, sometimes I pick up a softer one, because as a musician I have 2b pencils handy for marking music, not through any conscious choice. I don’t like to use hard pencils much, as the shading is not so effective. I try not to use rubbers [erasers], and at one time didn’t sharpen the pencil unless the lead snapped. If I made a mistake I challenged myself to work it into the pattern, rather like life really, we have to live with our mistakes, but often they lead us into something more interesting or fulfilling.
“Easter” © 2005 - 2007 all rights reserved - rupert kirby
How long have been doodling? Have you always done this kind of complex drawing?
This craze started about ten years ago, as a sort of patience builder. I had used the idea of taking a line for a walk several times with children, as a painting task initially, when I taught in a primary school, but also to develop shading and pattern. I found with a pencil the patterns became stressbusters.
Do you sit down to draw these or are they done at random times while doing or waiting to do other things (as doodling often is)? How long they take you to complete?
They are generally done in waiting times between happenings, such as concerts where other performers are taking their turn or during staff meetings or courses. I have a few sheets of paper on my clipboard so when I’m doodling it looks as though I’m taking notes! Actually I find I can follow the meeting, and remember more as I review the progress of the pattern. It perhaps helps me not to open my mouth too much! Sometime we give the pupils an end of term video, and as I teach 20 classes I doodle while I see the same video up to 5 or six times.
“Four” © 2005 - 2007 all rights reserved - rupert kirby
I notice there are often eyes in your drawings. Do you know why? What is your theory?
Yes , I’ve noticed them appearing quite often. the feeling of being watched, or being watched over, is strong. The eyes to me are non threatening, a benevolent observer, I think they understand more of what’s going on than I do! Perhaps they have a religious significance. I believe strongly in the spiritual dimension of life. The Christian faith has encouraged my insight into the spiritual, but I respect and revere the spiritual explorations of other faiths, in the sentiments of the tale of the blind men and the elephant.
Do you have any artistic influences or favourite artists?
I’ve not got a great knowledge of artists. I used to look at Monet, Seurat, Van Gogh and artists like that when I was doing art with the children. The drawings of Escher also appeal, and some have remarked on a similarity with some of the doodles. I haven’t got his brain power though! (Or sense of purpose.)
“Musica” © 2005 - 2007 all rights reserved - rupert kirby
How do you feel about your drawings? Do they seem to represent something in your life at that time or on a broader level? Do you display them? Do you value them?
I feel sometimes they are rather an obsession. I think sometimes they reflect a search for depth or perspective, an attempt to make sense by confusing. My mother has the first few designs on her kitchen cupboards, and the rest are fast covering the walls of my study. When a pattern is finished I laminate it, to stop me adding anything more and to prevent smudging. So I do value them, I think if one got scribbled on or damaged while I was working on it it would be very hurtful, as I invest a fair amount of emotional energy into them.
What have you learned from your doodling?
That there is quietness in chaos, calm within a storm, reason within madness. That you can take refuge by creating your own brand of reality, provided you don’t lose your perspective. That things are not always what they seem and that the complete pattern cannot be seen before it is finished! (Also how to use a pencil with a little more skill than when I started!
“RK” © 2005 - 2007 all rights reserved - rupert kirby
You can see more of Rupert’s art and his tips on drawing at his doodle art page.
about the artist:
Rupert Kirby lives in Lynton, North Devon, England with his wife, Olwyn and children, Gemma and Martyn. He is a teacher and a musician, most recently as the Head of Music post at Minehead Middle School, where he develops musical opportunities for youth, running the West Somerset Junior Orchestra. He is also involved in the West Country’s folk music scene as a member of the Folk Group ‘Hearts of Oak’. Rupert enjoys canoeing, having been a canoe instructor in the Ardeche, Southern France, whilst a student, and now regularly takes to the North Devon coast with his son, Martyn in two battered old plastic kayaks.
Rupert suggests,
More information about my interests and activities, including music I have written, my religious ramblings(!) and a short novel for younger teenagers can be found on my website.
Originally published in the October 2005 issue of The Practically Creative Quarterly, theme: collections
also posted in: Motivation , Art - process, craft, tutorials , Interviews , Art , The Original PCQ, 05-06 , Contributors , Craft , Creations , Perception , Process
tags: answers, art, creative, doodles, doodling, drawing, interview, learning, mr kirby, pen, process, questions, rupert kirby, self, way, work
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Results of our previous poll
What is your biggest creativity problem?too many projects at once can't get in the groove not enough time everything else takes priority self-doubts
other ['not enough talent']27% 20% 20% 15% 15%
5%
hes my dad wats da world comming 2 hehe