Interview: Mr Penfold

This month at Centrespace, Bristol production team Safehouse presents its first exhibition, featuring abstract artist Mr Penfold.

Tim Gresham, aka Mr Penfold, works across a variety of media from his Bristol-based studio. His chosen fields range from explorative, abstract paintings and screen printing to bold, large-scale murals and immersive installations. His work with has been exhibited in galleries and institutions globally and he has collaborated with some of the world’s most iconic brands, including Adidas, Nike, Disney, Smirnoff, Stella Artois and Diesel.

Mr Penfold cites skateboard graphics and Memphis-style furniture, alongside the study of form and colour from artists Tom Wesselmann and pioneer Eduardo Paolozzi from the Pop Art movement, and more recent contemporary artists such as MOMO and KAWS, as some of his influences.

Tell us about your Bristol links: what brought you here and how you’re finding life and work here. 
I moved to Bristol from Cambridge about five years ago. I’d lived in Cambridge for most of my life and felt it was a time for a change. I’d been to Bristol loads as a teenager to skate and see friends that had moved here for university. I’ve always loved the creative scene here and the sense of community within the art scene. It was one of the big deciding factors when working out where to move.
Over the last five years I’ve lived all over the city, but I’m currently in Old Market. I have a studio in the centre of town, in the Pithay Studios.

Mr Penfold’s large-scale murals are bold, colourful and uplifting

Does your working life consist of a mix of commercial commissions and your own artistic explorations? How easy a balance is that to strike?
It changes from year to year to be honest. I still do a bunch of commercial work for clients and I love doing that kind of work, as it’s another great way to travel and meet new people.
Over the last few years the client-based work has become less frequent as I have more mural work and exhibitions happening, so it’s hard to fit it all in and personal projects always take priority. It’s pretty easy to juggle the two sides of the job, but you often find yourself working seven days a week, 24 hours a day.
But hey – that’s why I do what I do, right?

Tell us about some of your artistic influences.
I grew up in a very artistic household, and was always surrounded by art and different artists that would roll through my house when my dad was working with them. At the time I didn’t think much of it, but as I’ve got older and developed as an artist, I’ve found myself drawn to some of those artists for inspiration. Eduardo Paolozzi, John McLean and Terry Frost were all artists for whom my dad made prints when I was younger, and as I’ve grown up these artists helped shape who I’ve become as a painter.

This is your debut solo exhibition in Bristol. What are your hopes for the show?
It’s exciting to do something like this in the city where I live. Most of the time my close friends don’t get to see my shows as most of them are overseas. My hope for this show is to create something that feels like a moment, something people will enjoy and hopefully remember. In this day and age so much of the art that is created is only seen via our phones, I want to do something that is a lot more immersive and engaging but ultimately makes the audience feel happy.
My aim (as always) is to create something beautiful and uplifting. Fingers crossed, eh?

Mr Penfold: Simple Pleasures is at Centrespace, Bristol from Apr 25-27 (Mon 25 Preview 6-9pm / Tue 26 & Wed 27 10am-5pm). For more info, visit www.inthesafehouse.com/simplepleasures and www.mrpenfold.com

Read more: Preview: Tattoo: British Tattoo Art Revealed, M Shed