The b-uncut blog

b-loud: Stephen Farley – A Different Take On Eco-Art

// November 18th, 2009 // b-loud // Alya

“I try to imagine a piece as never completed and take elements of it through various mediums to keep up the cycle of evolution. My inspiration began with the immensely talented people that put my eye back together” explains Contemporary British artist Stephen Farley about his methods and inspirations. Farley’s impaired vision has helped create a style that is not only visually stimulating but physically captivating as well. Farley says, “I strive to create something very fluid, very organic and very tactile so people can interact with the work in a physical way and not just appreciate it with their eyes whether they have 20:20 or afflicted vision. When I combine pain and ting I arrive at a painting.”

Farley has shown works across Britain, most notably at the prestigious Richard Attenborough Centre and the Birmingham Central Library in 2007, Malmaison Mezzanine in Birmingham in 2008, and most recently at the Creative Touch Exhibition in London and Artspace at the Birmingham Artsfest in 2009. He is an integral part of the artist community at b-uncut and one of our featured artists online. His works Farfetched, Le Petit Mort, and Etherealululations which can be viewed online are representative of his recent work, which juxtaposes the man-made with the natural. The added complexity of rendering these conceptual works in a photographic medium allows the viewer plenty to consider.

The b-you interview

What was your first artwork?

My very first artwork was an entry for a school colouring-in competition where I won a tube of Smarties. I distinctly remember using all 30 of my felt-tips on Joseph’s technicolour dreamcoat.

Describe the one you like the most-why?

I always like the one most that I’m working on at the time. This is a mission statement that I’ve also used in many relationships.

Describe the one you hate the most-why?

I painted over that one so now it’s a distant b-side. I have been known to discard works at sea if they’ve got it coming.

What did it take to make it to where you are now?

I’m still not entirely sure where I am now but I can tell you it’s been a pain in the arse getting here.

Who has helped you along the way?

The lady who begrudgingly allowed me to take the foundation course at Bournville despite me arriving without a pencil or a drawing to my name. I later found out it was the artist Ruth Claxton.

If I ask you to describe your art, would it be redundant to describe yourself?

There would be parallels undoubtedly. I talk about myself as if I’m removed from the experience which is also apparent when talking about my work. The art evolved from a difficulty to describe and was originally intended as a substitute for my oration. Ironically because of the art I now find I’m explaining myself away more than ever.

The b-quick interview

The swear word you like the most?

Flaps. Always trying to get it into a forced conversation at the checkout.

The flaws a woman should have to seduce you?

She needs to be exemplary as I come equipped with ample flaws for us both.

Your parents’ advice you shouldn’t have followed?

I honestly don’t recall them passing on any. Their core values seem to have been forged by WWII which I found difficult to deploy.

The talent you wouldn’t want to have?

The ‘Britain’s got’ variety.

The person you’d like to be hated by?

Whoever’s responsible for the Daily Mail, although my postcode probably means they already do.

The question I should never ask you?

It’s the one where I’m never sure whether to give an imperial or metric form of measurement.

The b-where interview

Where do you see yourself in…

5 seconds?

About two words into this sentence.

5 minutes?

Having a stab at the questions above that were too tricky the first time around.

5 days?

I’ll be at your launch with a painting under each arm. That’s two by the way in case you’re limb-curious.

5 months?

Still free from therapy but immersed within the toilet parts of my latest sculpture as they’re the

bits that require the most concentration.

5 centuries?

2509: Having secreted my DNA in resin within one of my paintings my clone still has a suspicion that he’s still ahead of his time.

The Shoulda Woulda Coulda Interview

Do we know you

You may recognise me from my TV work as a Robot Wars contestant, Series 3: Heat G -13 minutes in.

Should we know you

By crikey yes, and you should galvanise the sensation with a supporting proclamation on one of my t-shirts from the merchandise page.

Will we know you

I think this experience should help, if you’re still in then lets get a frothy one.