Steven Wilson – New personal work
Thinking inside the box
These two images are part of four new designs by Steven which are built around a sense of containment as a self-imposed constraint on the image. In this case, how would you portray stylised animal portraits within a very confined space?
We talked to Steven about the process he used to create these images, the inspiration behind them and where they might go from here.
What was idea behind these images – did you set out to work within certain restrictions?
With each project I always try to enforce restrictions on my approach. In this instance ‘necessity was the mother of invention’ because I was asked to design a matchbox. That meant I had a very small rectangular canvas to work with and I chose to use that restriction to guide my approach. I wanted to maximise my designs due to the area being so small and that led me to conclude that creating shapes that were clearly constrained within the area would be the set of limitations that I self-imposed on the drawings.
What methods and process did you use to create them?
They were all created using Illustrator. I’ve just bought a 3D printer so my initial intention was to print the lines as extruded plates and ink them and print them as you would a lino cut or woodcut as I am trying to reintroduce more analogue techniques into my work going forwards. But the matchbox canvas size was so small I decided to keep them quite clean. However, I am working on a follow-on series and that is what I intend to do with those.
They look almost heraldic – where did you draw inspiration from?
My initial thoughts about the approach were around vintage Indian matchbox designs. They use a lot of animals so that was my start point, but ultimately I wanted to create something in my own style.
Do you intend to add other forms?
Yes, the follow-on series I am working on is based around human forms using the same principles.
Would you like to develop these images into more 3D applications in future?
Yes, definitely. I’m keen to see my work in public spaces or installations and I think the simplicity of the shapes lend them to being made into physical objects. It would be quite straightforward to create these from UV or painted wood for example and construct them as sculptures.
How would you like to see them being used?
I’ve always liked the idea of my work reaching the public directly. I grew up in an area with very little visual culture, so any application that reaches people directly always appeals to me. I designed a mural in Brent Cross a few years ago and I really liked the idea that it was seen daily by commuters or schoolkids walking past it. Therefore, I’d love to see these used in public playparks or community spaces.
