Interviewing British Artist Sarah Ffitch-Heyes 🇬🇧

art5gallery.com

Art is essential to humans. The Arts have served mankind for as long as we can remember. It is artists who are in charge of creating the art pieces that surround us and enrich our lives.

We believe that to really appreciate an art piece, it is important to know who is behind it.

Here we interview another of our #TeamArt5 Artists, Sarah Ffitch-Heyes.

 

Art5: Where do you live?

Lewes, near Brighton

Art5: Since when have you been an artist?

Since being a baby as soon as I could pick up a pencil!

Art5: What would you call your style of art?

Photorealism with a hint of vintage and pop art influence.

Art5: Did you study Art or are you self-taught? What did you study?

Self-taught and studied. I studied at Falmouth School of Art and Design, then completed a top up year at Cranfield University, with BA in Illustration.

Art5: Is painting a full-time job or do you do another thing? If you also do something else, what is it?

My yearning and desire for being an artist has never died or diminished; and have never given up on my dream. I work part time at American Express where I look after small businesses and shops, (I regard this as my "reality post"). I also look after my 6 year old son Felix, and then I dedicate my other time as a passionate artist.

Art5: Favourite or most inspirational place?

Cornwall, as this is where I spent years of study, and painting beautiful scenes and seascapes.

Art5: Where else do you sell your pieces?

I did sell my pieces at a gift shop and another small art gallery in Alfriston. Sadly due to Covid both businesses have dissolved.

Art5: What are your hobbies?

Painting, being creative, travel, culture, food, music, cooking, walking, dancing, swimming and dining.

Art5: Where do you paint?

At home, but have painted from being on a beach, in a field, to painting in a busy street.

Art5: What mediums do you work with?

Oils, but love using all sorts which also include, oil pastel, chalk pastel, acrylics, pencils and collage.

Art5: Professionally, what is your goal?

To be a successful and inspiring artist.

Art5: Does personal history work its way into your practice? How might who you are be reflected in your current work?

When I pick and choose an ice lolly, I love those moments where the sunshine reaches down onto you, and you sit in an indulgent moment of silence,sucking a delicious ice lolly, and watching the world go by. With my current style, I am capturing those special moments and sharing them. 

Art5: What are you presently inspired by— are there particular things you are reading, listening to or looking at to fuel your work?

I find that lots of scenes, street life, the country downs inspire me. When I paint, I Iove to whack the music on, this gives me endless bliss. I love to read about other artists and visit art galleries, this also inspires me.

Art5: How has your style changed over the years?

I'm definitely a one to experiment, but very happy with my current style at the moment. I feel that there is much more to offer.

Art5: What do you believe is a key element in creating a good composition?

Something that is bold and pleasing to the eye, it could be a striking image or a landscape, something that invites and captivates you. Could be the golden section or depth of field.

Art5: What makes you laugh?

A lot of different things.

Art5: What is art for you?

Art is an expression in a pictorial way.

Art5: Three things in your bucket list.

To visit Central and Latin America (as this is the one continent I have yet to step foot on), to see the Northern Lights / Aurora Bora and to doa parachute jump.

Art5: Where is your favourite place in the world?

Nepal, however this is a very hard question, as I love so many places from Italy, Northern Spain, Germany, Austria, India, islands off Cambodia, Thailand, Bali, Rwanda and loads more.

Art5: Who are your favourite artists?

Dali, Magritte and De Chirico

Art5: What is the most challenging part about being an artist?

To market myself (by not having the natural flare of knowing how to get myself out there!) and to gain Instagram followers!

Art5: What is the best part about creating art?

For people to enjoy and doing something that comes so natural to me. It is so rewarding to share and to see that people love my art. I also love experimenting with mediums. I remember producing a commission and the lady burst into to tears, and she said to me that they were "tears of joy".

Art5: What is indispensable in your art studio?

My art materials, especially my paint brushes, paints, sketchbooks and canvases.

Art5: What’s your favourite website?

This is a really hard question, cannot think of anything specific.

Art5: How would your best friends describe you?

Kind, funny, sweet and quirky.

Art5: What do you worry about and why?

About not being successful and sometimes health. Although it has always meant so much to accomplish and aim for my dreams. A good career means a steady income, this creates and maintains a better quality of life. However, most importantly health is key.

Art5: How do you define success?

Reaching my goals and even going beyond. Inspiring people and having a happy fan base.

Art5: What does family mean to you?

My family are my bestest friends!

Art5: Who has inspired you in your life and why?

A man who I met in Rwanda, Africa. He was so full of wisdom; he has strong beliefs and has beautiful morals about life. I have found him very influential and kind.

Art5: Your favourite book or author?

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho.

Art5: What is your favourite food?

Sushi, Thai, seafood and vegetables.

Art5: What is the most interesting thing about you?

I was born autistic and did not speak until the age of four! I love travelling and wish to visit as many places as I can.

Art5: What are you the most grateful for?

Having my health, family, and talent.

Art5:  What words of wisdom would you pass unto your childhood self?

Be kinder to yourself!

Art5: How do you want to be remembered?

As a quirky talented artist who loved her family and life.

Art5: Do you have pets? What are they?

We were about to buy a dog, but sadly the lockdown prices put us off financially. I love animals, especially dogs! Once the prices come back down to reality, we will be introducing a fur baby to our family! Felix needs a little brother or sister after all.

Art5: What’s your fondest childhood memory?

Sucking ice lollies....ha ha!! Lots of things including holidays, talking to interesting people, travelling and drawing pictures.

Art5: What music do you listen to? Do you paint with music?

I love so many genres of music; anything from Led Zeppelin, David Bowie, Hazel O'Connor, Ian Brown, Kate Bush, Louis Armstrong, Tame Impala, Boards of Canada, Aphex Twin, Amy Winehouse, (Reggae), Bob Marley, Mumford and Sons, Levellers to (classical music). 03-Mar-21 AXP Internal 4

Art5: What makes you cry?

A lot of things, stress from my realistic job, people being cruel, and nasty. Natural disasters and people being ill. Witnessing and seeing under privileged people suffer.

Art5: What is “home” to you?

Home is where the heart is.

Art5: What motivates you to succeed?

By not being a failure.

Art5: In what ways are you the same as your childhood self?

Determined and hard working. Caring and being kind as well as being adventurous.

Art5: How long have you been with ART5? How did your relationship with ART5 start; we contacted you or vice versa?

I walked into the gallery about 3 years ago, and thought to myself, "this is where I would love my art to be!" I started talking to Melissa and she asked me to send some samples over. On the second batch of samples, I was ecstatic to be offered a residency at Art 5, and feel part of the Art 5 family. My work has been on show from the gallery since 2019.

Art5: What are your favourite mediums to work with?

Oils, oil pastels, pencils, acrylic and collage and lots of other mediums.

Art5: What is the best piece of advice you’ve been given?

Believe in yourself!

Art5: Name something you love, and why.

I love being an artist. This makes me feel free and I am in my element. This is something that comes from my brain, bones, heart and soul. Naturally I am inspired by travel, culture, memories, and life. I love to bring all these passions into my work. I love experimenting and developing styles, then creating images that people will feel happiness. On my website I use a slogan, "Paintings that add happiness to your Walls". Art is whereby we can express our views for people from all walks of life; so they can love, enjoy, admire, love and appreciate what they see. Art is for everyone, it does not pick and choose its audience. You are the audience, and you choose it.

 

GA