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Stuart McAlpine Miller
this solitude have a positive impact on your work? I lived in London for 20 years and found it hard to switch off from city life. I think it’s important to be in the midst of what’s happening but it’s not the most important thing. My influences remain the same regardless of my environment. I moved to the countryside two years ago and I have found that my inspirations have intensified because I now have more time to concentrate. Whilst I’m removed from the hustle and bustle of London, I keep connected with what’s current and going on through the media and gather information that way. I haven't cut myself off completely and regularly spend time in London, amongst other cities. It's the best of both worlds really! You trained at the Glasgow School of Art, what would you say is the one thing that has stayed with you from your time there and how is this reflected in your work nowadays, if at all? Being a student allowed me to develop as an artist without the pressure of having to earn a living. Whilst I was at uni, I was very passionate and determined to make it as an artist and so was very active on the arts scene, probably more than most students. I’ve retained this part of my personality, and my passion and ambition has helped me through the dark times. You have admitted that you toiled at the coalface of the art world for 20 years – how does it feel now to be gaining critical recognition? There have been earlier stages of my career that have been very good; when I first moved to London I signed a contract with a big gallery. But I didn’t want to be restricted and looking back, I was possibly afraid of success ultimately. I don’t think I would have handled it very well when I was younger. I have to say, I don’t really think about the critical
recognition. I am very happy that people enjoy my work and I’m just passionate about what I do. Do you feel Estelle Lovatt’s term “post modern picture maker” aptly describes your work/style/place in art history? I am flattered by and very grateful for Estelle’s commitment to my work. I do try to make a social comment with my work but it is more my personal statement of my own understanding of what’s going on in society. To some extent I suppose my work is post modern but I think there’s a need for a brand new word to describe artists of today. How has AndyWarhol inspired your work? I’m inspired by Warhol’s commitment to creating art that was accessible to the masses without compromising his status as an artist. He turned the art world around and was the first artist to show that art can be both accessible and good, which is an interesting lesson. I don’t think that all of his work was fantastic but his approach certainly was. He had an amazing journey as an artist and proved how significant it is to be an artist and a businessman. Warhol, Dali and Francis Bacon all appreciated how important business is to art. It’s not a case of resting on your laurels and waiting to be discovered, artists need to promote their own work. Do you see your work as a celebration of consumer society or a stand against it? Both but the views my work convey are just a suggestion, they’re not necessarily correct. I believe people shouldn’t live shallow existences; aspiring to be a celebrity won’t bring you happiness. At the same time, my pieces poke fun at the shallow nature of our society and it’s really up to the viewer how they interpret my work. •
Stuart McAlpine Miller - Taking The Trash Out Boxed canvas Edition of 95 Image 40" x 29" Framed £995 Unframed £795 Giclée edition of 95 Image 28" x 20" Framed £750
Glasgow School of Art
AUTUMN 2013 FINE ART COLLECTOR
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