imakethings on speed and freedom

In the Mountains

Andrew Groves, otherwise known as IMAKETHINGS, is a freelance illustrator from the UK, happily living and working in Kanagawa Japan. He is part of the group show opening tonight at gallery hanahou and today he's stopped by tys to answer a few questions about his work. Make sure to check out the IMAKETHINGS blog.

mj: What inspired your work for this show?

andrew: Being invited to take part in the show was a big inspiration in itself, it's the first time I will have exhibited work in NYC so that is pretty exciting. Geology, beasts and natural phenomenon are always big influences in my art and these ideas worked nicely with the "Summer Sanctuary" theme of the show.

mj: Do you have a favorite piece?

andrew: My favorite piece is probably the first deck of the series I created called "In the mountains". I love looking at mountain ranges and imagining all the creatures that live in them and this image ended up capturing my thoughts pretty well...

mj: how do you think your work is evolving?

andrew: I think my work is becoming much looser and more free, which is something I've been working on for a while. In the past I used to try and emulate my vector artwork when I painted or drew and the lack of an "undo" function was a little scary, but these days I really like the speed and freedom of pens, paint and brushes and I'm comfortable with wobbly lines and irregular dots. Funnily enough, my vector work has now started to emulate my painting style.

Thanks Andrew! Wishing I could be at the opening tonight.