We are delighted to welcome Phoebe Boddy to Art Republic. Phoebe is an exciting up-and-coming artist who creates painterly scenes with a naïve aesthetic. Her paintings draw on and celebrate everyday joys, and in particular food and flavours. We spoke with Phoebe about finding inspiration and beauty in the everyday, her lifelong dedication to creative exploration and her approach to painting.
'Apples 4 Sale' by Phoebe Boddy
What inspires you?
My inspiration is constantly evolving. Previously I would have said I was inspired by specific subjects - mostly stimulated by food and flavours. Recently, as my paintings have evolved, so has my inspiration and I have come to the realisation that what I truly find inspiring is what brings me joy in little moments of time. Whether that be food and flavour, a journey, a particular feeling or a collection of words I have heard or seen. Food is always a recurring theme throughout my work, as it continues to be a source of happiness and stimulation.
'House Plants' by Phoebe Boddy
Where did your love of art begin?
I have been surrounded by creativity my entire life. I was privileged in the sense that my artistic desires were always nurtured. My mum is an artist and she taught me to express myself from a very young age, introducing technical painting methods without me even being aware, which are now ingrained in me. This flourished into my own practice, style and ideas, and my love for painting has been growing ever since.
What is the strangest thing that has inspired an artwork?
Well I suppose plays on words and sayings that I find amusing. A recent painting ‘Banana Boat’ is exactly this, I have taken the words literally and painted bananas in a boat which is pretty ridiculous.
How has art changed you?
I have never known life without art really, and the ability to express yourself through creativity. I like to think it has taught me to appreciate the beauty in the little things and to be aware of my surroundings. My sister once said to me “I wish I could see the world through your eyes for a day” as I excitedly took photographs of some grapes, in a crate on the floor of a supermarket, telling her “I have an idea”. There are ideas everywhere.
Do you have a favourite piece from your own work? Why is it your favourite?
Are you asking me who's my favourite child? Ha! I think my most recent painting is always my favourite. Whenever I finish a piece I always think; where did that come from, I will never be able to paint anything as good again. I do have one painting in my flat though that I will never get rid of, I absolutely adore it. It’s the first painting I made when I moved to London and got my first ever studio – a big moment for me. So I suppose you could say that is a favourite.
You have a great love for colour and composition - where did this begin? Why is it so important to you and your work?
I am very drawn to bold forms and colours. I like exciting and playful paintings so I am trying to achieve this in my own work.
Can you tell us more about your creative process? Are there multiple steps to creating an artwork? How long does each artwork take you to make?
Most paintings start with a strong image that has presented itself to me in my head. And it will have come from something I have seen or heard that sets the cogs turning. I have been using a lot of text in my work recently so it’ll be a collection of words that stimulates an entire composition, then I will roughly sketch it into my book and decide on a colour palette. Sometimes I will be waiting weeks for a new idea, which is sooo annoying and the studio becomes very frustrating. I think this is where I envy abstract and expressionist painters because I feel they can just play constantly in a different way. My work is very idea-led.
'Apples 4 Sale' by Phoebe Boddy
Can you tell us a bit about your painting process, are there any rituals you have to do before starting a new piece?
After I have the idea, the next thing is to stretch & prime my canvas. A lot of painters hate to do this as it is quite time consuming, but I really enjoy it. You can really get into a state of flow, it’s like a form of meditation. And it may sound weird but I find it really connects me to my painting from the very beginning; I really have made this thing from scratch.
'Sunday Morning Is A Feeling' by Phoebe Boddy
How do you see your art developing in the future?
Bigger & BIGGER. Better & BETTER.
What can you tell us about your exclusive new print release with Art Republic?
I am very excited about this print release with Art Republic. Our selections are some of my favourite paintings from the last year, and it's fantastic to be able to share them with more people now. Prints are a lovely way to cherish and support artists you love!
Head to Phoebe's collection to get your hands on some of her work, and to keep up to date with all of her releases.
