1xRUN Through Interview
Verdant by Craww

1xRUN: Tell us about this piece, is it part of a recent theme or series of work?
Craww: It’s part of a series of work that inevitably started in my Moleskine sketchbook. I find the process of drawing very relaxing, almost therapeutic and tend to draw in a very “stream of consciousness way”. The organic, floral forms were an extension of that process that took on a life of their own and I’ve been exploring them across a variety of mediums including oils and acrylic paintings. With this piece I wanted to retain the simplicity of the original line drawings but add a bit of extravagance. I’ve been experimenting with gold leaf and the two mediums work very well together.

1xRUN: When was this piece created and what materials were used? How much was the original and is it still for sale?
Craww: This piece was created in June of 2013 using graphite and gold gilding leaf. It took a couple of days to do the sketches and then work to finish the final piece. The original hasn’t been offered for sale yet, so I’m happy to offer it here as a part of the RUN.

1xRUN: What is unique about this piece and why should people buy the print?
Craww: Applying the gold leaf takes time! And the nature of the process means it’s slightly different each time. Those little imperfections are part of the deal! Hopefully there’s something about it that creates a connection. I can’t see any other reason to buy it other than because you love it.

1xRUN: Describe the piece in one gut reaction word.
Craww: Fecund.

1xRUN: When did you first start making art and what was your first piece?
Craww: I started drawing when I was a kid and my first piece was probably a drawing spider man on a school exercise book.

1xRUN: What artists inspired you early on?
Craww: I read a lot of comics –  Jack Kirby, John Byrne, Bill Sienkiewicz were favourites. Then Boris Vallejo and Frank Frazetta, I had a huge collection of Conan paperbacks, bought mainly for the cover art.

1xRUN: Do you listen to music while you work and if so, what?
Craww: All the time. I have a huge Deftones obsession, so they are pretty much a constant, but my tastes extend beyond that. Currently on rotation: Grimes, Underworld, Mogwai, Crystal Castle and the Amelie soundtrack.

1xRUN: If you could collaborate with any living artist who would it be and why? Any deceased artists?
Craww: James Jean, to learn from him and hope some of his magnificence rubs off on me. (For the latter) Frank Frazetta, for the same reasons.

1xRUN: What was the first piece of art that you bought? Do you still have it?
Craww: The irony about being an artist is never have the money to buy art. I do have a couple of original pieces by Phlegm who is also from Sheffield. He’s more known for his walls, but I have a couple of sweet pieces on reclaimed wood.

1xRUN: Any big plans in the next 2-3 months that you’d like to talk about?
Craww: Yes! My show with Tatiana Suarez at Spoke Art is in October. I’m really excited as it’s all new work and I’ve really pushed myself to explore new mediums. Things that people haven’t seen from me before. Hopefully it all works! I’m flying out for the show so if not, swing by and tell me.

1xRUN: Where else can people find you?
Craww: Website – Facebook – Instagram – Tumblr

-1xRUN