Collage artist Paul Turner-Groves talks us through his art process and the inspiration behind this month’s LeftLion cover…
Tell us a bit about yourself…
Where do I begin? I always struggle with that question. I'm Paul, a graphic designer and collage artist. I've always enjoyed drawing, doodling, being crafty and arty, and eventually I found something that really resonates with me. Collage art. The idea of bringing together a bunch of images to create something new, to tell a story or make a statement, really clicked. I studied Graphic Design and did an art foundation course (shout out to South Notts College). That’s where I found myself falling into art and design, and I’ve never looked back. It’s taken me to some brilliant places with loads of exciting opportunities and challenges.
What inspires you as an artist?
Like most creatives, I love a good chat in the pub. Music, art and design, the latest news story, all things space, and pretending to know what people are talking about when it comes to football. Oh and who doesn’t love a good fact.
What is the story behind the cover?
This cover is a little love letter to Nottingham. It’s my homage to the city that raised me. I wanted to celebrate the place that’s shaped me. The people, the music, the food, the culture. It’s such a brilliant melting pot. No matter where I go, I always feel the pull to come back. And what better way to show my love for Notts than through collage, doing what I do best. There are loads of little Easter eggs hidden in there too, so have a proper look and see how many you can spot.
Tell us about some things you’ve worked on in the past…
Over the past few years, I’ve really pushed myself with collage and developed my style as much as I can. One of the highlights was showing work at The Vaults in Waterloo, an immersive display of prints and digital collage that I’m still buzzing about. I’ve also had the chance to work with independent bands. I have to plug Albion, a great band with big things coming up shortly. All of it has led me to this point and to working with LeftLion, which has been such a great experience.
Do you have any tricks for getting started and staying inspired as a creative?
Sometimes, like a lot of creatives, a pint helps get the thinking going. But honestly, ideas can hit at any time. When I get the urge to blend images together, I just go with it. Not everything works, and not everything makes the cut, but that’s part of the fun. Failing, trying again, and seeing where it takes me always leads to something new down the line.
If you could sit down and chat with any artist in your field, who would it be and what would you talk about?
I first got into collage during my art foundation, after coming across the work of Eduardo Recife, an artist and illustrator from Brazil. His style really shaped how I approached my own art. If it wasn’t him, I’d say Banksy. Bit of a cliché maybe, but I’ve always loved how his political edge and humour come through in his work. I’ve spent way too much time just thinking about how people come up with stuff like that. It’s mesmerising.
Is there anything else you’d like to tell the LeftLion readers?
Watch this space. Now I’m back in Nottingham, I’m excited to see what’s next. What I can create, who I can collaborate with, and how far I can push things.
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