Profile: Archie Forrest

Archie Forrest is one of the artists taking part in the Scottish Opera Art Fair 2010. We've asked some of the artists involved to answer a few questions about their work and being involved with Scottish Opera. Archie's answers are below. You can see more on the main Art Fair page.

Artists Table                                          Fruit on a Deco Plate

(To be auctioned on 6 October)        (Part of Scottish Opera Art Fair 7-9 October)

What was it that appealed to you about taking part in The Scottish Opera Art Fair?
The three F's - grabbed by the short and curlies by Fred - Friend and Fundraiser!

Why did you choose to donate that particular piece? Is it typical of your style of art?
I'm asked for donations to charities on a monthly basis. This is what I can afford to give on a regular basis. Yes!

What is your favourite medium and what subject matter are you particularly drawn to?
No favourite. A good song deserves a fine voice. An idea is not separate from the material used to realise it.

How would you describe your art to someone who was seeing it for the first time?
I would not try - pictures have their own voice

Which other artist/artists inspire you?
Artists that work with a learned broad vocabulary, using sound technique, and the ability to make me utter ‘wish I could do that!’

How do you go about creating your artwork? Do you listen to opera while you work?!
Far too complex to answer - working up a confidence of sorts to make a START usually is the first step. It can be a lonely life in the studio. I listen to plays, opera and know a wee bit of wummuns troubles from the radio

Where might our audiences have seen your work before?
Scottish Gallery, Edinburgh, Portland Gallery, London, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum and National Portrait Gallery Edinburgh. They would also pass a bronze bust of Sir Alexander Gibson in the Foyer of the Theatre Royal.

Have you always been a professional artist?
In my head - yes. I did teach 25 years ago to pay for mince and underwear.

What is the best/worst thing about being an artist?
Perhaps looking back at something you created some time back, with pleasure and no embarrassment. That feels pretty good. The worst - probably realising that you are no genius and that anything worthwhile has to be earned through constant struggle.

Amen
Archie Forrest