Art / Art Trail
Interview: Sophie Swindells
This weekend (Oct 6-7) sees the return of Art on the Hill, the annual arts trail for the south Bristol districts of Windmill Hill and Victoria Park. Some 69 artists exhibit work at homes and venues around the area, and there are also performances, workshops, and food and drink aplenty. Read our Art on the Hill preview here.
We’ve also caught up with artist and trail exhibitor Sophie Swindells, who has designed the brochure cover for this year’s Art on the Hill.
So, Sophie, tell us a little about yourself.
I’m an artist and illustrator from Bristol. My degree in textile design led me into the world of print and illustration.
And what inspires and motivates you?
I love, and am driven by, the unpredictable and rewarding process of creating. When a piece works you can’t always explain why, it just feels right. I also thrive on the process of composition – how can I refine a piece to its simplest form and yet still keep that playful freedom that gives my work its individual style?
How do you go about producing your designs?
Most of them start off being hand-drawn and are then edited digitally. I like to interpret the world I see around me through line drawings and colour.
And where can we see more of your work?
I will be exhibiting my work as part of Art On The Hill from my home – venue #17. I also run a greetings card business, Just like Sophie. My cards are on sale in shops around Bristol.
Sophie’s cover design for this year’s Art on the Hill brochure
What inspired the cover design for this year’s Art on the Hill brochure?
Windmill Hill has these wonderful rows of colourful houses and a certain rough urban charm that I find beautiful. I simply wanted to convey my interpretation of the area and the image naturally HAD to include a windmill – which, after months of searching, I’ve still not found…..
Art on the Hill takes place at homes and venues across Windmill Hill and Victoria Park on Saturday, Oct 6 and Sunday, Oct 7. For more info, visit www.artonthehill.org.uk. For more from Sophie, visit www.sophieswindells.co.uk
is needed now More than ever
Read more: Preview: Art on the Hill
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