Meet The Artist: David Studwell

I’m a genuine fan of Terry’s work. His portfolio spans several decades and this image allowed me to tap into an era that I’m naturally drawn to – the seventies.

My work often harks back to classic bygone eras such as the sixties and the seventies and this image gave me the perfect excuse to revisit those classic times. Following a meeting with Terry and his representation, we decided to embark on a collaboration. With Sir Elton John’s retirement beckoning; it felt like the perfect time to launch the screen print. 

I am drawn to classic eras like the sixties, the seventies and the golden age of Hollywood and much of my work focuses on ‘celebrity.’ Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor and Sofia Loren all crop up in my work, evoking as you say a strong sense of nostalgia.

I take these classic images from bygone times and bring them firmly into the present with my modern approach and style. My work harks back to times when the word ‘celebrity’ had meaning, unlike today when social media or television catapults anyone into the spotlight. When I bring these iconic images into the present I attempt to preserve a sense of those times; by adding splashes or retro-colour or diamond dust to encapsulate the glamour of those eras. With the Elton piece; it was important to strike a balance. I wanted to maintain the identity of Terry’s original photograph whilst adding my own unique vision to the image.

I normally start with a photograph. I then strip the image back to its bare-essentials; a blank canvas if you will. I begin by adding layers, building a framework as I go. Later I experiment with color and tone; until I get exactly the right ‘fit’ for the image. I normally spend a lot of time playing around with color.

Once I begin working on the images they take on a new identity of their own, whilst maintaining the essence of the original image. The images metamorphose, constantly evolving on their journey from the past to the present. Whilst I add my own unique modern stamp to each piece, I also want to preserve the glamour and charm of those bygone eras. Watching a B&W photograph evolve into a technicolor screen print can be magical.

Kate Moss has visited many of my shows and bought numerous pieces. She was very complimentary and seemed to really enjoy the work. George Michael’s cousin also bought some work as well as Nile Rogers. The singer Sheryl Crow bought some of my work only this week.

I did a solo show in North London last year and Liam Gallagher came along, he said he absolutely loved the work! It’s a privilege to sell to major names like this but it’s also great selling to the builder around the corner!