An Interview with Dan Robinson Ford
“I’m most contented when I’m painting, admittedly with the odd bout of frustration!” -Dan Robinson Ford
Hi Dan! What are you working on at the moment?
I’ve just started a new collection titled: “Ten to Six”. I’m hoping to debut some of the new pieces later this year!
What motivates you to create?
I’m most contented when I’m painting, admittedly with the odd bout of frustration! I’m a fairly quiet person by nature; the last one to speak up in a group and I’m much happier just listening. When I’m painting it’s an opportunity to express myself, reflect and storytell.
How has your style developed over time?
My style can be described as evolving subtly. I learnt how to paint from studying old masters like Vermeer and Caravaggio, I adopted a lot of these techniques into a hybrid format which I still apply to this day. That said, my primary end goal is to always demonstrate the use of paint on canvas.
Who are you biggest artistic influences?
I genuinely love art in all its forms, from Yayoi Kusama’s huge inflatables to Richard Estes’s Revolving Doors! However, if I were quoting actual artistic influences, it would be much closer to home. My grandfather, older sister and uncle all practice/practiced art…albeit, in completely different ways. Each of them most definitely opened my mind at a young age!
Is there a specific material integral to your work?
Canvas and paint, applied with a brush.
What is a typical day like for you as an artist?
I start painting at 7am and knock off at 4pm. I tend to find I’m most productive first thing but I always cut off at four as I’d just keep going if not! All art related work i.e. acquiring materials, framing, emails etc I’ll sort on an evening or on a Saturday morning.
Describe your ideal working environment.
Currently I work from a small home studio that I built in the garden about ten years ago. It’s absolutely crammed to the rafters but it’s a really comfortable place to work. In the past I’d set up temporary open studio galleries which I would work from a handful of times a week. They were brilliant at showcasing new art and demonstrating the work in progress, equally they created an opportunity for me to meet and explain what I was working on.
What has been your favourite piece to work on so far?
As a body of work, up to date, I’ve really enjoyed creating the Vintage blue collection! Don’t get me wrong, some didn’t make it to completion!
Any top tips on getting inspired?
Create whatever intrigues you with whatever medium you feel like. There’s no right or wrong. Just enjoy the exploration!
Finally if you could meet any other artist past or present who would it be?
So many!! I’d have loved to have sat in on one of Louise Bourgeois’s home critiques. Or to have met Duchamp. Quite often when I’m painting in the day, I’ll listen to old art history lectures. If I had to say one current artist, the answer would be Banksy - purely out of curiosity!
