Artist of the Month - September 2008 - Stewart Mechem

Welcome to our Artist of the Month feature for September, and congratulations to Stewart Mechem for being our selected artist.

Hi Stewart - can you tell us a little about yourself, and how you got started as an artist?

I was born in London in 1959 where I lived and worked in the Fashion Industry before moving to the South Coast in the '9O's to open a hotel with my family.

Fashion exposed me to working closely with photographers, stylists and designers in creating seasonal campaigns which communicated a strong and clear 'look'. Moving to the South Coast and living directly by the sea was a fabulous opportunity to observe magnificent sunrises and sunsets that still influence my work today. Now I am a full time painter and art has provided the freedom and flexibility to combine all creative influences gathered over the years.

What are you favourite subjects to paint?

My aim is to communicate a feeling of peace & timelessness through the medium of paint. The choice of abstract composition allows complete freedom to explore inexhaustable influences and references from past and present to bring together a form which is almost 'ethereal' in its attempt to encourage closure and harmony.

Do you have any advice for aspiring artists and photographers, or for those new to art?

Do not allow the 'inner judge' to discourage ! Keep trying and navigate through feeling as much as the visual, the power of intention is very strong, and so never give up. The journey will not be easy, but each success is of equal necessity to each failure - its all just part of the path.

What do you hope people see in your work?

There are too many variables to answer this tightly. All that I can hope for is a feeling of connection between the viewer and each painting which brings about peace and harmony.

Who are your favourite artists, and are there any works in particular which have inspired you?

I have so many different influnces on my work which are not just restricted to other artists who paint - music & fashion often lend an important direction. However, Brian Clarke, Mark Rothko, Patrick Heron, Franz Kline, Gilbert & George, and Turner have all had influence.

What painting, photograph or work of art do you wish you had produced?

Red over Dark Blue on Dark Grey (1961) by Mark Rothko would be a choice, but so many wonderful paintings have been created that it is impossible to list them all. However, Handels Messiah and Mozart's Requiem mass must also be listed as great works of art, Likewise Chanel and John Galliano as great designers.

Apart from your portfolio at artfair365, how do you promote your work - are you a member of any societies, and do you have any exhibitions planned?

I am very fortunate to have the support of two wonderful London galleries - Cadogan Contemporary in South Kensington and the POND gallery in Clapham. I have also been invited to exhibit and a new gallery, FLOREN, in the South which is a great opportunity. I am working on an exciting new proposal for an exhibition at Fulham Palace, in addition to some new pieces for Westover Hall in Hampshire Web promotion is also important to me and I actively market my work to all relevant new outlets. I produce a new 'brochure' each year, and distribute this in London and Lymington. My intention is to travel more and paint in new environments to further stimulate fresh ideas.

Click here to view Stewart's portfolio.

Artist of the Month for August - Geoffrey Dawson

Artist of the Month for July - Philip Dodd

Artist of the Month for June - Helen Palmer

Artist of the Month for May - Leyla Murr

Artist of the Month for April - Jean Dayton

Artist of the Month for March - Victoria Stanway

Artist of the Month for February - Patrick Palmer

Artist of the Month for January - Caren Thompson

Artist of the Month for December - Simon Wild

Artist of the Month for November - Sally Bassett

Artist of the Month for October - Bill Jackson