Can you share a little bit about the piece and how you conceived of it:
Poladroid was developed from a thumbnail sketch. I had heard somewhere that film for Polaroid cameras was being discontinued and this saddened me a little. Therefore I produced the image of the Poladroid – a giant personal robot companion with a never-ending supply of film and the ability to take supersize, instant photos. He fits well into the mythical world I have been building of late, a world inspired by Eastern imagery and Japanese style animation.
If you were to describe your work to someone who’s never seen it, what would you say?
It’s a happy collision of robots, trees, yetis, clockwork birds and transforming tree stumps underlined with strong narrative, sensibility of colour and retro design elements.
What’s your creative process when producing a piece of art?
I scan a sketchbook composition into a computer and then worked up 4 or 5 layers in photoshop with a slightly transparent feel to mimic the silkscreen process. I then add textures (usually found and scanned or iStock). If I intend to silkscreen the end product I will produce black and white transparencies of each layer to expose onto a screen. I try different methods and processes form time to time though to keep things fresh and exciting for me.
Could you share an image of one of your latest sketches?
Would you share three unique things in your workspace that inspire you? (Photographic evidence welcome.)
Here is a bunch of my model friends:
And here are a few books I have lying around:
What’s the best compliment/most extreme reaction you’ve ever received in response to your work?
Someone once said “I would die to have a talent this big”. Personally I think that’s a little over the top and self-defeating but hey – who wouldn’t like to hear that said about them…
What’s the art scene like where you live?
Thriving! I live in Brighton and that was one of the major reasons for living here. You be hard pushed to throw a stone in any direction and not hit an artist. That also means there’s a lot of competition, but it’s so diverse I don’t really see it that way.
What art is hanging on your walls at the moment?
Guiltily I have one of my own up, a Sanna Annukka (who did the Keane record cover art), a Peter Blake and a Roman Klonek.
What are you really into right now?
Kuniyoshi, an old Japanese printmaker and Shaun Tan, a contemporary illustrator I recently discovered.
What would be on your quintessential mixtape?
Radio comedy such as On The Hour and Blue Jam by Chris Morris. I am currently in love with the Ricky Gervais podcasts – they really cheer me up! Also anything by Radiohead but I do prefer listening to the radio.
If your art was music, what would it sound like?
A cross between Radiohead and the Littlest Hobo theme tune.
What do you have as your desktop wallpaper?
A Croatian Harbour from a recent holiday trip.
What websites do you check out regularly?
Empire Online, Ffffound and Print and Pattern blogspot.
What are your vices/guilty pleasures?
Peanut butter and Countdown (although not so much these days since the passing of Mr Whitely).
What’s the first picture you can remember drawing as a child?
Garfield – I was obsessed! Somebody had graffitied one on the side wall of my local shops when I was little. I copied it and haven’t stopped drawing since.
If you were a dinosaur, what kind would you be and why?
A pterodactyl – they can fly goddamit!
What was your last memorable dream?
I was eating Samuel L Jackson…
If you had to change careers, what would be next?
Something that involved submersibles or I’d might like to be a professional snooker player (I’d have to inherit the talent first though).
Are there any upcoming shows or projects you’d like to share?
Brighton Art Fair from 1st Oct with Boxbird – otherwise keep an eye out on my website for updates (www.carterworks.co.uk).
What’s your motto?
“Stay out of trouble” (I borrowed Robocop’s).
Graham Carter
