Artist in Focus - An Interview with Gail Seres-Woolfson

Taking our perceived reality, extracting the essence of what we see and feel, and recreating that reality using core shapes and colours. This is the work of Gail Seres-Woolfson, an artist who retells narratives of the urban landscape through mixed media. This week we are excited to catch up with Gail and chat to her about her art, and how inspiration sparks for each of her urban landscapes.

For most, the urban cityscape is something we would associate with day to day life, or travelling to work. But for you it is a source of endless possibility, how do you see inspiration in something most of us take for granted?

The excitement of seeing what I can bring into being – a new artwork which didn’t exist before and which hopefully has something to say which people can connect to. My artwork explores the urban landscape and when I’m out and about in the city I often see and move through structures and spaces which fill me with awe and demand to be drawn, photographed and incorporated into an artwork. 

As a young artist we would love to hear if you have had any memorable clients in your career so far?

At the start of my career an image of one of my large scale paintings was included in the Royal Academy of Arts magazine. Somebody got in contact to say they loved the look of my work and wanted to visit my studio. They came and purchased two pieces and gave me lots of encouragement for the journey ahead. We’re still in touch and I’m so pleased that they get pleasure from the pieces that they bought. 

Do you see any trends in the art world? if so do any inspire you?

I’m not really driven by trends, but rather by art which presents perceptions of urban space or explores collage and layering. My inspirations include a huge number of Modernist artists, writers and architects and then span through the decades to the present day. I love the work of contemporary artists Julie Mehretu and Mark Bradford and I’m also inspired by plenty of less well-known artists whose work and interests have parallels with my own.

We know that you have a great affinity with your instagram community, do you feel that social media has played a bigger role in the lives of artists during the last few months?

The art community on Instagram is extremely supportive and there have been some incredible initiatives set up by artists during the pandemic such as Matthew Burrows’ #artistsupportpledge and Tom Croft’s #portraitsfornhsheroes. Lots of artists have found it difficult to be creative during lockdown and I think social media has helped to keep everybody connected and has provided some encouragement and inspiration. 

Is there anything that you are excited to be working on at the moment?

I’m feeling really grateful to be back in my studio and I’m currently working on a large 1m40 x 1m22 mixed media painting. I’m interested in creating illusory depth and a feeling of rhythm and movement across the work. It’s quite a dynamic piece and I’m looking forward to sharing it once it’s finished