‘The joy of creating comes directly from the anticipation of the unknown outcome’

Charles Westgarth

Sculptor

Westgarth, aware that art was something he always enjoyed, comments that it was something he worked at and came back to. He was aware it was something he enjoyed but wasn’t necessarily a life-long ambition initially…

Dreams and objectives 

A monumental figurative public commission somewhere prominent

Sensations and feelings

Creativity is all about emotions...

Frustration and exasperation - when re-drafting and trying to find an idea

Satisfaction - when that idea is perfected

Sources of inspiration

• People 
• Own sensations
• Flamenco and other Spanish themed dances
• Travelling

Artists inspiring Westgarth

• Philip Jackson
• Charlotte Mayer
• Rudy Weller
• Ron Mueck
• Deirdre Hubbard
• John Huggins
• Petros Dellatolas
• Carl Payne
• Mark Coreth
• Johannes Von-Stumm
• Helaine Blumenfeld

Studio

The most important element there is music: it gives energy, makes think clearly, exaggerates the state of mind... 

... and, of course, the genre depends on the mood!

But also solitude: Sculpting as a solitary pursuit and Westgarth enjoys working alone.

Exhibitions

• The Royal College of Art
• The Mall Galleries
• The Society of Portrait Sculptors exhibition with The Babe in Arms
• Cyprus
• Belgium

Westgarth's pieces were also sold in the Philippines and in Belgium. Among the commissioned ones, a rewarding experience was the one with P&O Cruises.

Have a look at Westgarth's amazing sculptures and feel inspired!

My book sells everywhere!

No a book doesn't sell because it's out there on the shelves in the bookshops or it's been written about and publicised on the internet. It is very important to identify the readership and then target the sales of the book  accordingly.
One has to identify the connect between the offerings of the book and the expectations of the potential readers. It helps in promoting the book accurately and thus generating sales and revenue.

Marketing costs money!

Thus it needs to be smart and should create a substantial Return On Investment.
Generally marketing promotions begin with sending questionnaires to the authors. It helps in defining the readership arena for the proposed title. It also helps in building up the resources in terms of contacts for promotion of the book.
After all its the age of customisation and we need to have tailor-made plans of marketing for every title.

‘Finishing a mosaic is like giving birth’

The first interview is dedicated to 

David Tootill

Mosaic artist

Travel and especially a trip to Venice (St. Marks Basilica) opened his mind to the splendour of mosaics… 

Have a look at some abstracts from the book and find out how his creativity and perception of the surroundings influenced his artistic life.

The aims

• Making cities look beautiful

'By using mosaics to illustrate something about a specific street, this would take the concept of a gallery into an open space outside, and turn it into a place of beauty to negate the unsightly view of roadworks!'

• Charity 

'Tootill wants to combine making the town beautiful and keeping people out of prison, thereby pursuing both a creative and noble cause.'

The studio

St. John's Crypt, London

'... a transformation from a no-go area to a place enjoyed by many in comparison.'

Installations and exhibitions

Southbank area – 130 in total, certifying it as a ‘premier cultural estate’

The Royal Festival Hall

St. John’s Crypt

Southwark Cathedral

Somerset House (Coming later this year) 

Follow Tootill's projects at Southbank Mosaics and give us your opinion about it!!!

The Unusual Art Book

What do you usually expect from an art book?

We are looking for something beyond the simple art basis. Through this book, we try to put forward the essence of what makes art: the inspiration of the artist that creates the art.

The book 'A Room with a Hue' focuses on the creative working environments, the objects, and especially the colours allowing artists to express themselves. It brings the readers through a journey of different experiences, opinions and techniques, allowing them to have an insight on what does it mean to be an artist today.

It presents a panel of professional artists with different backgrounds, using a variety of materials, but sharing the same aim: express what they feel through art.

If you have a strong artistic background, if you love art, if you are just curious... We are sure you will find 'A Room with a Hue' an interesting and enjoyable reading.

Quality is an important feature of an Art Book, thus we care about the selection of the best images and stock of papers. It will be amazing not only to look at it, but also to touch it.


With this book we want to bring you with us! Read us and be part of our adventure!