CAGECITY X ARMS
We have been sending our CAGECITY banners out to you lovely ladies, so we thought we'd do a post on the guy behind the design...the talented, and rather cute ;) Simon Butler aka ARMS.
Why arms?
A number of reasons really. I was always looking for a name that would describe all the different aspects of the work I produce. I have always produced work that would fall into the category of graphic design and illustration, as well as contemporary artworks, and was searching for an umbrella term that would cover these different routes, or 'arms', of my practice. The word 'arms' actually came from the pub, The Amersham Arms, in New Cross. I was pitching to do some work for them, and I guess after staring at that word in my sketch book for a few hours I finally realised what I was looking for was right in front of me. I have since made a conscious effort to keep the design and contemporary art separate, but have continued using the name for my design work.
Describe what you do...
Well, as I said I produce both design and illustration, as well as contemporary art. But seeing as this is Arms related, I will just talk about the design and illustration. I trained as a graphic designer at uni, but have always had a love of drawing and been influenced by fine and contemporary art, resulting in a mix of the two. Maybe I should just give you a quote that someone else wrote about my work instead of me trying to fumble some words together; 'Butler creates idea led works that are skilful and unique mix of graphic design and illustration'.
When did you really get into art?
I've always been interested from a young age. My mum used to take me to the big galleries when I was younger, and I think a lot of my interests can be related back to that. One of the first works of art I remember really loving was Chuck Close's 'Big Self Portrait 1967-1968' and I have been fascinated by photorealistic drawing since, which I think comes across in a number of my illustrations. I have always worked with art galleries and artists, which gave me a bit of a behind the scenes view of things and lead to me becoming interested in the business side as well.
What inspires your work?
Anything and everything really. I think whatever it is an artist or designer produces has to come from somewhere genuine, and that can only happen if you base your work on the experiences you have had. I think if you are creating work based on trends or what other people are doing, it becomes a bit transparent.
Do you have a favourite artist/piece?
All time favourite pieces would be different to what I am into at the moment, as often the work I love doesn't stand the test of time. All time favourites would be Chuck Close, Banksy was a massive influence on me when I was a kid, and I'm a massive Damien Hirst fan, mainly due to his incredible business sense. I recently described Antony Gormley's 'Model' sculpture as the best piece of art I have ever seen, as it was everything I think art should be. It was this huge sculpture that you could walk around inside of, and aspects of the piece played with your sensory perceptions. It was refreshing to see all age ranges in there acting like kids and having a great time, it cut through the pretentious bullshit that comes with a lot of the big galleries.
What are you working on at the moment?
I am currently working a new series of artworks, and working towards a solo show which I hope to have ready for late 2013. I am also sending work out for group shows in Chicago and Melbourne later this year. I have just also finished a year long project designing another artist's retrospective book, which will be my biggest design job to date, so I am looking forward to that being published. I also have a screen print being released and a few little other bits and bobs that are keeping me busy.
What is next for ARMS?
More work, and more fun I hope!
Thanks Simon! Sounds like there are lots of exciting things coming your way! Guy's you heard it here first! ;)
We have featured some of Simon's work above...you can keep up to date with Simon via his Twitter: ARMS and check out more of his work via his website: www.armsarmsarms.com
If you would like the CAGECITY banner designed by Simon on your blog, get in touch...Hello@dresscagecity.com or hit us up via our many social channels.
I have a feeling this young guy is gona be BIG...so get that banner up on your blog in the name of ART!! ;)
XXX
We have been sending our CAGECITY banners out to you lovely ladies, so we thought we'd do a post on the guy behind the design...the talented, and rather cute ;) Simon Butler aka ARMS.
Why arms?
A number of reasons really. I was always looking for a name that would describe all the different aspects of the work I produce. I have always produced work that would fall into the category of graphic design and illustration, as well as contemporary artworks, and was searching for an umbrella term that would cover these different routes, or 'arms', of my practice. The word 'arms' actually came from the pub, The Amersham Arms, in New Cross. I was pitching to do some work for them, and I guess after staring at that word in my sketch book for a few hours I finally realised what I was looking for was right in front of me. I have since made a conscious effort to keep the design and contemporary art separate, but have continued using the name for my design work.
Describe what you do...
Well, as I said I produce both design and illustration, as well as contemporary art. But seeing as this is Arms related, I will just talk about the design and illustration. I trained as a graphic designer at uni, but have always had a love of drawing and been influenced by fine and contemporary art, resulting in a mix of the two. Maybe I should just give you a quote that someone else wrote about my work instead of me trying to fumble some words together; 'Butler creates idea led works that are skilful and unique mix of graphic design and illustration'.
When did you really get into art?
I've always been interested from a young age. My mum used to take me to the big galleries when I was younger, and I think a lot of my interests can be related back to that. One of the first works of art I remember really loving was Chuck Close's 'Big Self Portrait 1967-1968' and I have been fascinated by photorealistic drawing since, which I think comes across in a number of my illustrations. I have always worked with art galleries and artists, which gave me a bit of a behind the scenes view of things and lead to me becoming interested in the business side as well.
What inspires your work?
Anything and everything really. I think whatever it is an artist or designer produces has to come from somewhere genuine, and that can only happen if you base your work on the experiences you have had. I think if you are creating work based on trends or what other people are doing, it becomes a bit transparent.
Do you have a favourite artist/piece?
All time favourite pieces would be different to what I am into at the moment, as often the work I love doesn't stand the test of time. All time favourites would be Chuck Close, Banksy was a massive influence on me when I was a kid, and I'm a massive Damien Hirst fan, mainly due to his incredible business sense. I recently described Antony Gormley's 'Model' sculpture as the best piece of art I have ever seen, as it was everything I think art should be. It was this huge sculpture that you could walk around inside of, and aspects of the piece played with your sensory perceptions. It was refreshing to see all age ranges in there acting like kids and having a great time, it cut through the pretentious bullshit that comes with a lot of the big galleries.
What are you working on at the moment?
I am currently working a new series of artworks, and working towards a solo show which I hope to have ready for late 2013. I am also sending work out for group shows in Chicago and Melbourne later this year. I have just also finished a year long project designing another artist's retrospective book, which will be my biggest design job to date, so I am looking forward to that being published. I also have a screen print being released and a few little other bits and bobs that are keeping me busy.
What is next for ARMS?
More work, and more fun I hope!
Thanks Simon! Sounds like there are lots of exciting things coming your way! Guy's you heard it here first! ;)
We have featured some of Simon's work above...you can keep up to date with Simon via his Twitter: ARMS and check out more of his work via his website: www.armsarmsarms.com
If you would like the CAGECITY banner designed by Simon on your blog, get in touch...Hello@dresscagecity.com or hit us up via our many social channels.
I have a feeling this young guy is gona be BIG...so get that banner up on your blog in the name of ART!! ;)
XXX
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