BILLY CONNOLLY
In 2022, Sir Billy Connolly CBE – or ‘The Big Yin’, as he is affectionately known amongst fans – will celebrate his 80th birthday. The award-winning actor, comedian and musician will also be toasting the 10-year anniversary of his Born On A Rainy Day series, which is now in its eighth iteration after launching to great critical acclaim in 2012. The six humorous new graphics from the collection showcase Billy’s personal memories and anecdotes, along with his mischievous imagination. Hand-signed by Billy at his home in Key West, Florida, each of the limited edition prints is presented as a fine art giclée on an opulent watercolour paper, highlighting his distinctive bold lines and vibrant colour palette. Despite over 50 years in showbusiness, Billy remains characteristically humble. Expressing his gratitude for the success of Born On A Rainy Day , he says: “I’m flabbergasted that people are interested in it. It’s one of the biggest shocks in my life that people find my drawings interesting. It takes my breath away that people write such kind things about them. As time goes by, it gets no less amazing. I’m thoroughly impressed by their taste.” Billy has received countless accolades – including a BAFTA award and knighthood – and once toured with the likes of Elvis Costello, Led Zeppelin and Elton John. Now, as he revealed in the 2022 TV series Billy Connolly Does …, he prefers a simple life that allows him to focus on his passion for art. He adds:
“Live, laugh, relax. I draw, and I play the banjo badly, and I fish, and I’m as happy as a clam.” This relaxed approach to life is reflected in the bright colours of his latest graphics, which explore everything from the rock and roll music of his teenage years to fictional creatures and yo-yos. Billy says: “The colour palette I’ve used for this collection has had a profound effect on me. I didn’t realise it would do so much to bring the people to life. It took me by surprise.” His gift for telling stories extends beyond a TV screen or radio interview. In 2021, his first-ever memoir, Windswept & Interesting: My Autobiography , topped the bestsellers chart, while in 2022, his favourite word for ‘drunk’ – ‘trousered’ – was added to the Oxford English Dictionary. Billy’s art has no less impact than one of his legendary comedy sketches, with his humour communicated through shapes and colour rather than words. He says: “They’re funny in a different way from how I’m normally funny. They’re odd. Some of them will make you think, and others will stop you thinking. Enjoy.”
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