John Wilkinson
Name: John Wilkinson
Website: Blue Poppy Publishing
Q: How did you become an artist?
My journey in art began with sculpture. I went to Somerset College of Arts and Technology before attending Saint Martin’s school of Art, The University of Lancaster and Bradford Art College.
Q: What is it that you do? Describe yourself and what makes you unique.
Artworks are for me an act of contemplation. The Barow Ship took eight years to write. Every thoughtful step of the way was pure joy.
If I paint and draw out on our beloved Exmoor, I will sit and contemplate landscape for a good while before making any marks and those lines, smears of colour can represent rooks, clouds and light long passed.
Q: Tell us about the work that makes you the proudest?
So many people are constantly supportive. Artwork is often essentially collaborative, and South Molton Pannier Market, the town and its surroundings give creativity a community to be proud of. At my stall, I stock the original artworks of Ken Hildrew, Tony Williams, Ruth Lone, Judith Westcott and Colin Albrook. I am so grateful to those highly – renowened artists for their continued support.
Q: Who or what inspires you? What keeps you going?
Artwork is my way of making my feelings about the most important moments in life physical.
I am not a camera, and no-one should expect that mechanical form of interpretation from an artist. We couldn’t do any of it without the amazing support of our friends who choose to be customers, customers who choose to be friends.
