Shiplake College News

As part of our SPOTLIGHT On… series we interview our Old Vikings to hear about life after Shiplake College. We delve into what career paths they chose and what influenced them along the way.

This month we are talking all things ART – with a thriving Art department and decades of distinguished artists who we are proud to call Old Vikings - we speak with former pupil Simon Menzies (85B). Simon is a distinguished artist who turned his passion for art into a career spanning many decades. We chatted about his art, what inspires him to paint and how his time at Shiplake shaped his passion and career. 

Why do you paint?

I tried for some years working in conventional jobs (Army/Security industry) however I found that the confines of normal employment did not suit me. I suppose I turned to painting because I could and whilst it hasn’t always offered either a regular or high income, it has always given me a good life.

What sort of artist would you categorise yourself as?

I am very firmly a traditionalist and paint mostly in a ‘Naturalist’ style.

What is your favourite medium?

Oil

What was your earliest inspiration to become an artist? How did you get into art?

At Prep School, before my dyslexia was recognised, I found that art was the only subject I could excel in and show my teachers and fellow students that I wasn’t completely hopeless. The seed was sown but, as with so many, it laid up dormant when I left school and followed the course expected of me by others. Once I realised I did not fit into a conventional workforce, I decided to pursue art in my mid-20s.

Which artists shaped your thinking/biggest influences?

Philosophically it would be Gustav Klimt and stylistically it would be John Singer Sargent, although I realise I am a weak pastiche of both.

What influence did Shiplake have on your love of art?

James Johnson was my teacher at Shiplake and he influenced me (and others) with his enthusiasm, patience and encouragement. Being a literal painter, I was also often tasked with school posters for plays etc.

How often do you paint and how do you get your inspiration?

I paint most days and now tend to be lead by the market, rather than try and lead it. I paint a lot for the Barbados and a little for the US markets (monkeys, shells, parrots et al) and commissioned work, mostly portraits here in the UK.

Why do you think art is so important to society?

Most man-made object we see around us have been influenced by art. If something has been designed or created, it has artistic input, whether it be a door handle, a toaster, the chair you sit on or building you sit in. Creatives come in many guises - designers, film makers, writers, architects, musicians, painters etc. Some of these things may be poorly designed or created, even ugly, but nonetheless, creativity is involved for better or worse. When it works though, it adds function, beauty and pleasure into the life of the user or viewer.

How did you turn your love of art into a business/commercial opportunity?

After leaving my conventional job (running security contracts in the City of London) I got a job at a picture framers. That was a toe into the art world. From there I started to frame my own work and selling at charity events and interior designers, many of whom used the framers. I then worked up to my own exhibitions. Much of my work now is sold via word of mouth or agents/galleries.

How do you navigate the world of professional art? What skills do you need?

I find it best to keep my head down and let the professionals to what they do best. I’m afraid I find that side of the art world can be quite vacuous, so I try to accept that and simply focus on my craft and my niche market.

What memorable responses have you had to your work?

A grown son cried when he saw a portrait of his mother... good crying, I hasten to add.

How has your art/style changed over time?

Early on I tried to be original, to create a USP. Now I just accept I am what I am and focus on doing that well.

What are you painting at the moment?

A large commission of a monkey with gold leaf background for a British couple with a house in Barbados. Concurrently I am working on a dog portrait - bread and butter work.

If you could paint anything, what would it be?

I can paint anything and do, he says rather precociously.

Do you have a favourite time of the day to paint?

Late morning, early afternoon.

What motivates you to paint?

Money and the fear of having to do a ‘normal’ job if I don’t make any.

What advice would you give your younger self or anyone keen to develop a career in art?

Be prepared to compromise. I have always felt it is better to paint something and be paid than be a waiter who painted what they want to paint in the hope of being discovered, but not sell anything. Also, in the same spirit, unless your passion is painting (or similar) consider an alternative more commercial careers to which you could apply your creativity, such as movie set design or commercial design.

A massive thank you to Simon for sharing his passion for art for the Spotlight series. To find more about Simon and his work please visit www.simonmenzies.co.uk. Simon is available for commissions.