Sam Parr

I am an illustrator and artist based in Sheffield in Yorkshire but originally from Plymouth in Devon.

I am inspired by anything and everything - I am particularly energized by portraiture. I find the possibility of capturing a mood, emotion, or a thought within a human face endlessly fascinating. I love to use, and explore with, colour, but I also love black and white or monochrome compositions.

My work has a light hearted feel and often retro feel, of idealised simpler days, but often underneath there lurks a deeper subtext. I enjoy conveying the joy of life and colour but, like in the films of Douglas Sirk, or the work of David Lynch, the surface sheen, sparkle and glamour can conceal darker machinations and emotions. Landscapes such as those by Gustav Klimt are also a particular inspiration. I enjoy naive art such as the work of Alfred Wallis. I am also a huge fan of Andy Warhol particularly his cats who happen to be all named Sam like me!

I have spent quite a few years removed from my artistic core since finishing an art foundation course and art college aged 19; but sadly not going on to an art degree at that time. I have always continued my interest in art as a consumer/spectator from the outside whilst getting a ...

Plymouth College of Art - Art foundation course
University of Portsmouth Cultural Studies B.A. (hons)
Sheffield Hallam University - M.A. Communication (ongoing)
London College of Art - Painting and Drawing