SNUGGLE UP | LEE HERRING

Meet Lee Herring, the rising star of the contemporary British painting scene. Lee’s originals are highly sought after and often sell before even being finished.

Please tell us a bit about yourself, and the journey you took to become an artist.

I graduated from uni after doing a fine art degree in 2008. Returning to live with the parents I was lucky enough to find a volunteer job at an art studio for mental health referrals. In return for helping to run it, I was given a free studio space! It was here that I began to develop a bit of a style and florals came to the forefront. After selling a few paintings online (beyond quickly) I was given a little confidence and continued to paint and paint.

After this, I ended up working part-time and painting on the side. Each year I was getting closer and closer to painting becoming the full time reality. It actually took being made redundant to make me take the leap and in 2015 I was officially out there as a full-time, professional artist. From here on I have been determined to keep at that way and so far so good, touch wood!

What helped you to get to where you are today?

I think persistence and dedication is a big part of making it a profession. There are many talented artists about but to make it a full-time career you need to understand it’s a job and a business too.

What was the first piece of art that moved you? What was it about it that grabbed you?

I loved seeing Alexis Harding’s piece “Slump/Fear” at the John Moores years and years ago. It’s like a frozen moment in time, check it out, you’ll know what I mean.

Where do you get your inspiration from?

I take inspiration from the smallest of things these days, it’s often more about colour inspiration than anything else. It could be a text in a magazine, a sunset, or even a graffiti. Whatever it is, just go with it.

My tutor at uni was great, despite not knowing what he was on about 95% of the time. If you were struggling his advice was always… just do anything and keep doing it until something exciting happens. Which is pretty good as the worst thing you can do is overthink and stop. So if you’re stuck just do anything… something will spark eventually.

Do you have any habits, or a routine, that help you harness your creativity?

I’m a big fan of a routine, being self-employed it’s so easy to slack off. So I just try and get out in the studio and get busy as soon as I can. Get your slippers on, radio on, and think of the hours ahead, pretend you have a boss and work hard for the day.

What is your current favourite piece in your own body of work? Why does it hold a special place in your heart?

I’m enjoying working on still lives at the moment, they’re pretty new for me so I still think I’m exploring the boundaries. I especially like the darker pieces I’ve got on the go, the contrast to the bold colours is lovely. “Darkness Ends” is my current fave, but anyone who follows me will know I have a new fave weekly!

What was the latest piece of art that you bought yourself? If you could choose three pieces of work from the Artsnug collection, what would they be?

I’ve bought quite a few recently: Andrew J Millar, Alexandra Gallagher, Andrew Salgado and Jo Hummel. I really like Bael’s expressive drawings too, they could be next (I know you said three but I’ve got no wall space left!!)

Anything else you would like to share with us?

Not much really but Thank You! Elina for the support and all the lovely people who have homed MY artwork, it’s amazing and much appreciated!