Spotlight December 2022
Under the Spotlight this month: Vic Pender
In last month's newsletter we got to know Maria Tate who has really helped me come into my own on social media. I'm not going to lie, the thought of putting myself out there on Instagram made me want to vomit in my mouth but I'm glad I did it otherwise I wouldn't have connected with my guest this month - introducing the amazingly talented Vic Pender. Vic designed the artwork for my upcoming releases and the album cover itself! I'll be unveiling those bad boys in January so stay tuned for that! In meantime, let's meet Vic...
Thanks for being my Spotlight guest this month, I'm so thrilled to have you. I first saw your work on Instagram through the John Byrne award, tell us a bit about that.
V:The John Byrne Award is a fantastic way of getting your work recognised and appreciated. It can be anything from poetry to painting, from makeup to performance. Anyone with a creative flare can enter! All I had to do was send in a selection of paintings (from a series I done) and give the group of them a title. After that I had to explain my subject matter and ideology behind each work. It took no time at all and made me feel so accomplished even though it was just an entry! I’m so glad I entered when I did because I would never have found you - or you found me really. Every year they hold a competition and every year you can enter for free.
Who inspires you as an artist?
V: Growing up I really enjoyed the works of Ken Currie, Peter Howson, Stephen King and Tim Burton. I know not all of them are painters but I’m a way they are all artistic and fabulous! I have always been attracted to a darker side of life, a more spiritual aspect. I would argue that one of my biggest inspirations and influences is my life experiences/events.
What/who is your favourite subject to paint?
V: Hmm, that’s a good question. It depends on my mood and what music I’m listening to but overall I would say human features without the focal point. So I paint a lot of faces without the eyes because the eyes are the focal point of the human face and many people say those are the windows to the soul - but what if not everyone has a soul? Or what if someone keeps their true self under lock & key therefor it’s hidden? I like people to make up their own stories about my work so taking something that can hold so much emotion away from the paintings makes it easier for people to connect with themselves rather than me through my work. Art is for everyone - not just the artists.
What kind of music are you into?
V: Ohh I’m about to expose myself here with this hahaha. My main music taste (I LOVE all types of music) would be 1950’s Rock&Roll! The music from that decade is just outstanding and makes you really want to move your feet. When I’m driving it’s my shoulders that boogie.
Are you excited for Christmas this year?
V: I wasn’t really feeling festive at the beginning but I can say now that all I want to do is PUT MY TREE UP! My partner says it’s still too early (last week of November) but I can guarantee by the time everyone is reading this newsletter, it is up and sparkling!
Are you a New Years resolution type of person?
V: I actually don’t set New Years resolutions because I have issues with staying focused on one thing at a time. I honestly forget by the weeks end what I’ve even said I would do. I suppose each year I do say to myself that “it will get better”. I’m not really sure why, a wee pep talk to myself! Why not.
What advice do you have for other artists starting out?
V: Okay, anyone who is interested in taking up art please please do it! Don’t limit yourself, you don’t even need paint! I’ve used wine, tea, coffee, bleach and even crushed up berries! You can create anything you want, whatever you’re feeling you can convey. You don’t need to be pretentious, you don’t even need to think you’re the next Van Gogh! If you’re having fun then you’re doing it right. Anyone can be an artist, anyone at all.
Finally, bagpipes - fan or not?
V: I LOVE the bagpipes! I get goosebumps every time I hear them and I feel so much pride in my wee heart and creepy soul!
To find out more about Vic and what she's up to, follow her on Instagram.