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Shane Sutton - Biography
Self-taught artist Shane Sutton was born in Dublin, Ireland, in 1971. Since he was first able to hold a paintbrush, he has been immersed in creating art.
His influences span all sorts of media previously worked on. Commercial projects and commissions lead to expanding skills in other areas such as illustration, computer-aided design, graphic design, video editing. Each gave him the technical skill and knowledge for painting and filmmaking he is doing today.
While his remit is constantly expanding, he always returns to painting, particularly in oils.
Shane's style swings between realistic, illustrative, graphic and abstract and his observations and experiences of urban life stem from different cities around the world. These influences remain a constant thread that runs throughout his work. Open to new techniques, new media and new influences, Shane stays free and alert. As a result, his art is founded on similar ground but never becomes stale or tepid.
While his remit spans a wide variety of media, his primary focus is on painting
ARTIST'S STATEMENT:
When I was very young, I really liked to draw cartoons and illustrate. I found them easy to draw and the very nature of cartoons meant there was no 'right' or 'wrong' way to draw them. This form of drawing suited my art and my style developed accordingly.
Much of my work has a photo-real element to it. I am motivated by the challenge of recreating my own perception of this reality with individual styles and ideas.
My abstract work came about from wanting to let loose from my restrictive form of painting in a realistic style, though they are still based on my experiences and influences from living in different cities. I create 'sets' or collections of paintings, within which I expand an idea, but stay within the parameters of my subject. Influences of living in cities around the world and urban tales are found throughout my work.
PHOTO-REAL
The styles of my paintings that fall into this bracket are not, strictly, photo realistic - i.e., that they closely resemble a photograph - but I strive towards achieving a stylised version of that effect. Loosely sketched paint is layered up to a detailed working of the subject. I aim to keep this work tight and precise. Reflections in metal objects or glass, for example, or fields of overgrown grass, require meticulous, careful and methodical painting.
CITISCAPES
Vibrant colours, bold, graphic imagery and of urban themes dominate my work. Some of it has a hectic, loose, rushed style which mirrors city life. I sketch with oils and scrape paint over the canvas for abstract view of the city skyline. The thick oil is stylised, very graphic, and eye-catching, lively, almost bouncing off the surface.
PORTABELLO STUDIES
The Sunday Business Post review , February 2004:
'Sutton's usual graphic, photo-realistic paintings of city life, architecture and design have given way to a more abstract, loosely-painted style. His previous dark tones, electric greens and striking colours have been replaced with more earthy tones and abstract observations of the canal, of water, rain around Dublin's Portobello area, such as Canalside Poetry.'
When he's not painting or creating his own or commissioned work, Shane teaches art through new media to a young group in Ballyfermot, Dublin.
The course works with youth groups in and around the city centre. It aims to teach art through new media. The first phase ran from January to June 2005. Phase two continues to date. Shane still works closely with the BASE in Ballfermot and other associated community groups.
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