Dean Grace

Dean Grace tells us about himself with a simple Q&A

Q1. Who is Dean grace?

I left school with no formal qualifications straight into my apprenticeship in
Mastic Asphalt spreading. A molten liquid made into a waterproof form using
a handmade wooden float or trawl. It was a family tradition from my grandfather
and father.

My interest in art started at school. I was fascinated and still am by abstract shapes
in buildings and nature and the science of using different materials, mixing acrylic
paint with oil and alcohol for example.


Q2. Where do you get your Inspiration?

My inspiration comes from every day things I see. For example, I can look at a house and imagine how all the angles look in a 3D point of view. Church buildings are very interesting how the glass reflects sunlight. These I try to put into my paintings using transparent layers forming shapes on top of each other to create a deep three dimensional picture that changes colour with different light and shapes.


Q3.Did you have any training?

I had no formal training as such in art but I think my construction background has a lot to do with my inspiration be it mastic asphalt or working with natural stone and ceramics.


Q4. How would you describe your art?

I would describe my artwork as colourful and sometimes provocative. Being a musician helps aswell. When you paint to music it can really influence your mood.


Q5. what artists Inspire you?

Artists that inspire me the most are Picasso for his incredible cubism. To take a simple object and to paint it at different angles I find fascinating. Kadinsky for the colourful shapes and Jackson Pollock for this wild action painting which I really enjoy to do sometimes as a break from the transparent layering.


Q6. What does Sentiment mean to you?

Sentiment to me means to give a part of my life for the world to see, be it in music or Art. I think when you do either you are expressing your feelings and relaying them to an audience which can be heart felt.