Ian Rayer-Smith

Interview with artist Ian Rayer-Smith —

In advance of his forthcoming solo show from 31 August-9 September at –
D Contemporary Gallery
23 Grafton Street
London W1S 4EY

1. Who are you and what do you do?
I’m Ian Rayer-Smith and I’m an artist. I paint and make 3D sculptures. I like exploring new forms and situations using different materials. I’m trying to make work that give me some sort of emotional or spiritual experience.

“Hopper”

2. Why art?
Two small words, but it is a very big question. I suppose it gives my existence some purpose. Looking back, I was always wandering, keeping busy, working and earning money to buy things and build security, But making art is a way of life, not just what I do: it excites me and gives me my identity.
3. What is your earliest memory of wanting to be an artist?
I actually only started painting at the age of 37. I’d never painted before. I ran a business which I wasn’t enjoying, I decided to start making art after seeing a painting in a gallery. At first I wasn’t particularly good at it, but I was happy doing it, and I just kept doing it and got better!

“Attention seeker”

4. What are your favorite subject(s) and media(s)?
I love paint, unpredictable slippery stuff; it can be awkward, and I like that. When I make 3D work, I like to use materials that I can easily get hold of and see through the whole process myself. I’m interested in psychic automatism, mark making, colour and light, and how materials can be used.
5. How do you work and approach your subject?
There is no grand narrative to my work as it’s primarily abstract but it needs to exude energy and a sense of freedom. I paint in my studio every day. I like to work fast, in a way that borders chaos, often on several things at the same time.

“Faking it”

6. What are your favorite art work(s), artist(s)?
There are many painters I admire from throughout art history, as well as contemporary painters, but the most important era to me is Post-war New York and the rise of Abstract Expressionism. Willem De Kooning, Joan Mitchell and Milton Resnick are probably my top three favourite artists: just simply the way they handle materials, their work really excites me.

“Dream of eternal”

7. What are the best responses you have had to your work?
I love it when someone buys a painting: somehow it speaks to them and they want to own it. That has to be the best response. Also, a few years ago, I had a show at Stockport Museum and I was told that the staff would routinely go into the exhibition space to sit and look at my paintings; it’s a huge compliment when people really engage with what you are doing.

“Haphazard”

8. What do you like about your work?
I like my work when it has energy, confidence and emotional impact. Also when one of my paintings has elements of surprise in it, that’s something that really rewards me.
9. What advice would you give to other artists?
Paint for yourself and not for others. Have a routine, paint everyday if possible. Don’t work on just one thing at a time, network and show your work.

“Nomad”

10. Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years?
Still painting.

Ian Rayer-Smith

LINKS —

 
Website:  www.ianrayersmith.com
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/ianrayersmithartist/