Talent Watch: Hattie Stewart
Who: Hattie Stewart
Age: 21
What: Illustrator
Where: Kingston/London/Essex
On her work: “It’s a rainbow in grey skies. I like to use my work for escapism so I can disappear into my own little world.”
Drive: “My friends are my biggest driving force and inspiration. I love nothing more than talking about work over a few glasses of wine and some roll-ups. It’s as if we can rule the world if we really put our minds to it.”
“Negativity also motivates me in a big way, I’ve been told I’m not good enough, original, unique and all that jazz time and time again. Being constantly reminded by someone that you’re not that great sucks, but I actually kinda like it. I like getting angry and frustrated and letting all those frustrations out, because I end up getting a more realistic view on things and it makes me work a hell of a lot harder.”
Favourite work: “Those that take a long time to draw and take on a life of their own – being able to fill a blank piece of paper with so much detail is incredibly satisfying for me!”
Best commission: “Luella and Katie Hillier who I’m doing some work for right now – I have been very fortunate with them as they not only appreciate my work but me as a person. They are brilliant people who have taught me a lot.”
Work space: “I work in my room – I have to go through a tidying ritual before starting a drawing session. Music is very important too – if I don’t have a good soundtrack I don’t draw as well.”
Favourite colour: “I know its not really a colour but black. Mmmmmm.”
Best-loved subject: “Bloody skulls. It’s the one thing I have never stopped drawing. I have no idea why I like them so much.”
Future: “Obviously lots of drawing (and money if possible). I also want to look back to those few who didn’t believe in me and say, ‘I told you so!’”.
Not many people know: “My biggest fear is losing my right hand. But most embarrassing of all is the fact that I talk to my sketchbooks and introduce the old one to the new, yep, me and my work have a very intense relationship. I have a feeling I may regret saying that.”
http://www.brilliantlove.co.uk
