Artist Proof Interview with Artist: Fred Winkler
Global Location: England
URL: http://www.fredwinkler.co.uk
AP Shop URL: http://www.zazzle.com/fredwinkler
Award winning fantasy artist Fred Winkler is leading the way ahead in digital art, with a futuristic vision that combines myth, magic and yet still remains acutely attached to the natural world. His beautiful style wins praise for raising the bar and tantalizing the imagination, yet at the same time Fred manages to keep his art accessible moving out of the gallery and onto the computer screen for everyone to appreciate and enjoy.
AP: How long have you been making art for and what lead you to start.
FW: I’ve been painting and drawing for my own pleasure since I was a child, but it was in 2007 that I decided that it was time to make my dream of being an artist into a reality.
AP: Where do you currently live and work ω And how does this influence your work.
FW: I am lucky to live in Sussex overlooking the countryside and with a distant sea view, so there is much to inspire me simply by gazing out of the window.
AP: Did you have formal training if so whatω If your self taught can you tell us what you prefer about being a self taught artist vs having formal training.
FW: I have had some formal training, however the majority is self taught. Art is really something that you have a natural flair for that comes from within, so I actually found that the formal training for me was fairly unnecessary. Although it can explain techniques and methods, it is something that comes naturally over time regardless. I would say, for me, it is in the ‘doing’ rather than the ‘learning’ that you improve.
AP: Can you tell us about where you make your work is it in your house, a studio etc.. and how it effects your work.
FW: I have a studio in my home with a seat that allows me to look directly onto the countryside. I feel that having a relaxed environment is important for me to be able to immerse myself fully in my art. So I am able to spend periods of reflection and allow the inspiration to come to me naturally.
AP: What are some of you favorite design projects/exhibitions you have worked on to date.
FW: I enjoy the Enchanted Visions project which has a monthly theme for a whole list of artists, so you can see how each artist interprets that particular theme. It’s interesting to see a completely different interpretation from your own.
AP: What is your medium of choice.
FW: I work digitally and have a preference for 3D art at the moment. This was following a problem I had where I found my wrist hurting to the point where I would have had to give up creating art, so the technology is a real blessing because it has enabled me to continue.
AP: What is the relationship between technique and content in your work.
FW: I like to keep things as freestyle as possible, so for me it is all about the content. The initial idea for my creations starts as a visualization in my head and then I simply look to bring that to life. The technique is very much secondary in my consideration, although it is of course still an important aspect.
AP: Who are some of the artists that have inspired you and or your work.
FW: Jessica Galbreth, Linda Biggs, J.M. Leotti, Linda Ravenscroft, Jasmine Becket-Griffith, Nene Thomas. The first four have not only inspired me, they have also very kindly helped me along the way and become friends.
AP: In what direction would you like to see your work going over the next five years.
FW: My art is currently available in many stores throughout the UK and also now in stores in the USA and Australia. I would like to see an increase to the licensing worldwide. I would like to see some of my work turned into fantasy figurines. One of my ambitions is to see my art on book or magazine covers. At the moment my artwork is available on greetings cards, prints, posters, jewelry, T-shirts, cross stitch charts, PSP tubes and much more. I’m excited to see what new possibilities arise. It’s incredible what can be done. Zazzle has my art available on a case for your iPhone or iPad, or even on shoes, which I find amazing. I get a thrill from seeing my art on something like a perfume bottle, knowing it will be a gift for someone. You can even get my art on U.S. postage stamps that can actually be sent through the U.S. postal system, also available from Zazzle.
AP: What forth coming projects and or exhibitions do you have scheduled for 2011.
FW: Interestingly, following on from the last question, I have an article coming up in the next issue of “Witchcraft & Wicca” magazine about my art. The best thing about this is that they have asked to feature one of my works on the cover. So that ambition is soon to be realized.
AP: Take us on a guided tour through a day in your life as an artist.
FW: Like most things, how you imagine things to be and how they really are can be very different. You may imagine that all I have to do is to create artwork. However, there is a business side that involves websites and licensing products. There is also the promotion side, which involves getting your name out there so people know who you are and what you’re about. The business side is obviously less fun than creating the art, however I do enjoy keeping in touch with people and I like to encourage other artists too, so I run regular competitions on Facebook
AP: Thank you so much for taking the time to answer our questions.
FW: Thanks for asking me. It’s a pleasure.
