Interview with an Artist Working in Ink Tea and Alcohol, Carne Griffiths

Carne Griffiths is primarily working with calligraphy inks, graphite and liquids, such as tea, brandy and vodka. Carne’s images explore both human and floral forms, figuratively and in an abstract sense. He is fascinated by the flow of line and the ‘invisible lines’ that connect us to the natural world. Be mesmerized by his art through this interview.

When did you decide to become an artist? And where?

I always wanted to be a creative, from when I was a young boy, but I decided to change career 4 years ago to pursue a career as a full time artist

What media do you use for your artworks?

I use ink and liquids like teas and alcohol

Do your artworks convey an emotional content? Such as anger, sadness, excitement, calm, etc?

My artwork aims to convey a sense of awe, escapism and reverie

Is there a specific color that dominates most of your artworks?

There is a very natural palette to my works - turquoise, sepia and ochre are prominent colours

Lines are very noticeable in your artworks. Why lines and what emotional effect do the lines create?

I give lots of importance to directional lines and flow, maybe this traces back to my embroidery design background, but I feel I can be most comfortable and fluid using this method of drawing

As an artist, is there a social message you are trying to communicate? If so, what is it and why?

My message is an inward journey - I am exploring our relationship with nature, and trying to underline it's importance in a digital age

Is there a symbolic imagery in your artworks?

Yes there is a lot of personal symbolism in the work, these normally derive from experiences outside the studio and are a way to align everyday life to the escapist work I produce in the studio

What do you see as the role of the artist in society?

The artist can be many things, one who documents, one who enlightens and amuses, and one who provides an escape route from the mundane.

More about Carne Griffiths

Since establishing his own studio in 2010, Carne has exhibited in the UK at the London Original Print Fair at the Royal Academy, the London Art Fair in both 2011 and 2012, and overseas at Urban in Ibiza in 2011 and Arts After Dark, New Orleans in 2010. Carne also collaborated with the British photographer Rankin for a feature in the 2nd edition of Hunger Magazine early in 2012. For more details about his original artworks, go to his Behance profile and website.