G: Tell us about your art, what did inspire you to start?
I use miniature figures to create street themed scenes that show our world from a tiny perspective. I first started whilst taking photos of a model train track. It was amazing to see everything from the view of these little figures. I then started to take the figures outside, firstly in the garden and then onto the streets. I am a big fan of urban art, this inspired me to explore whether these little figures could be turned in to art, quickly I created ‘Roy’s People’.
G: What is innovative about what you do?
The medium I use isn’t particularly innovative, as there are works from artists that used miniatures before I was even born. I try to be as innovative as possible in the themes of my pictures. Whether I want to create something political, rude, naughty or just funny, I want to show this little world the way I see it.
G: What were your most successful projects/exhibitions so far or what projects did you enjoy the most so far?
My most successful project/exhibition has to be taking part in ‘The Other Art Fair’ at Truman Brewery in October 2013. I hadn’t done an exhibition on my own like this before, and I had no idea of the response I could expect. The show was on for 4 days and it was the most exhilarating and awesome experience of my art career. I particularly enjoyed seeing the positive reaction to my work and I also sold more artworks than any other artist in the show, this was very encouraging.
G: Tell us a bit more about your current project?
I have a couple of projects currently. Mainly I am preparing for my solo exhibition at Curious Duke Gallery starting April 3rd. This is my first solo exhibition. It is an incredible feeling and an honour to have such a gallery supporting you and willing to help build my career as an artist. I have spent the last 4 months working non-stop on new ideas and installations for the show, it is fair to say I have dedicated my life to making this the best show I can.
G: How would you describe the art scene in Shoreditch/East London?
I think everyone connects Shoreditch/East London with Urban and Street art. East London is where my first experience of Urban art began and I believe it had one of the biggest influences on the Street Art movement along with Bristol, New York etc. There will always be Urban Art in East London, and the area will continue to produce new fantastic street artists.
G: Who/what are your favorite Artists/Businesses in the area?
My favourite artist work’s to see in the area are by ‘Stik’. I think anyone who knows the area will have seen his stick men around. I think he is very clever in how he gives such character to his figures. Business whise I really like ‘Brick Lane Coffee’, it has that real Shoreditch vibe about it, quite unique.
G: What are your favorite places in Shoreditch?
I like ‘Hoxton Grill’ for both dining and a night out. Also ‘Bar Kick’ is great for a drink and I love the idea of table football, even though I am rubbish at it.
G: What are your future plans?
I am taking part in at least 14 shows this year, including 1 solo show in London and 1 in Norway, so this year plans to be non-stop. Over the next couple of years I plan to have a ‘Roy’s People’ Gallery where I can show my own work aswell as hold group shows for other artists, and potentially delve into artist management to use my experience and help emerging artists.
Social links:
Twitter: @royspeople2013
Website: www.royspeople.com