This week Brighton Journal spoke to Barrie J Davies, a local Fun Urban Pop Artist. Barrie’s colourful mixed media work combines Street Art, Cartoons, Comedy, Kitsch and Glitter, and features in both national and international art collections. Barrie first moved to Brighton from Wales three years ago, and is now based in a studio in the Lanes. We discussed Barrie’s new series of Silkscreen prints, his favourite things to do locally, as well as how living in Brighton has pushed his work to be bolder than ever before. Take a look.
What are you doing today? Â
Going the studio, I’ve got to work on some new prints and finish a commission. Then go to the beach.
Describe where you do most of your creative work. Â
My Studio which is in the lanes in Brighton, I get to have a lot of fun there.
What’s the most exciting thing you’ve worked on?Â
I started a new body of artwork when I came here from Wales three years ago, using lots of glitter and fun images. I love these new paintings.
What made you decide to become an artist? Â
My Uncle who is an artist too. When I was 6 I said that what I want to do and I just followed my dream!
What are you currently working on? Â
I’m currently doing lots of new Silkscreen prints which I show online and with Conclave Brighton Gallery.
What are the key themes in your work?Â
Pop, Street art, Fun, Kitsch, Cartoons, Comedy and Glitter!
What would you like people to notice about your work? Â
About having fun and not taking it all to seriously. I want to make happy artwork. Also, the glitter!
What attracts you to the medium you work in?Â
I love to mix it up! This stops it from getting boring. The materials I use to make my artwork are a mix of acrylic, household paints, spray paint, glitter, screen printing, markers, comic books, digital print and found objects.
What equipment could you not do without? Â
Brushes and my fun imagination!
Who or what inspires you?Â
The internet and social media is a big source of inspiration and I love lots of artists, my favourites are Mr Bingo, Pete Fowler, Martin Creed, Jon Burgerman, Pure Evil, Kaws, Takashi Murakami, Barry Mcgee, Andy Warhol, Jean Michel Basquiat and Shepard Fairey
How is your work affected by living in this area? Â
Just makes me go bolder and take more risks than before!
What’s your favourite thing to do locally? Â
IÂ love going to the beach and having some beers; which is only ten minutes from my house.
What’s your favourite gallery (or place to see/experience art)? Â
I love going to Pure Evil Gallery in London and seeing what Charley (Pure Evil) is doing.
If you could collaborate with one artist, from any time, who would it be and why?Â
It would have to be Andy Warhol!
What’s your favourite colour? Â
Neon Pink.
To find out more about Barrie and his work, take a look at his website and social media:
