Interview with Hong Kong Based Emerging Artist Ben Pickering - AKA Usedpencil!
Christopher KL Lau
When UsedPencil is not doodling then he is drawing, when he is not drawing, he is painting or sketching; one thing can be sure, UsedPencil AKA Ben Pickering is forever creating.
Since arriving in Hong Kong just under two years ago, Pickering has quickly established himself as one of the most original and ingenious contemporary artists in Hong Kong. His work is prolific and can be seen in many of the urban contemporary spaces throughout the urban jungle that is Hong Kong and on display in the fast growing number of cutting edge galleries springing up in the city. Hong Kong has long been classified as a cultural desert but revolutionaries like Pickering are revamping the art and culture scene through their sheer drive and energy!
A career artist hailing from the United Kingdom, Pickering has made this 24/7 concrete jungle his own and is developing a cult like following for his dream-like visuals and interpretations of everyday life here.
Pickering is not only stimulated by visuals, his keen sense of awareness picks up the cultural nuances, sights, sounds and smells of the city and can quickly transform the most simple of observations into a stunning art-form. The city is literally his canvas and he upon it, he unleashes his creativity; he has had his own exhibitions, installations and regularly takes part in Art battles across the territory.
Pickering draws upon the world's ever-changing social scene and diverse contemporary culture; the world is evolving and forever changing and he has resolved to evolve with it. Never one to rest on his laurels and forever observing the human condition, he uses a fine blend of intelligent thinking, creative wizardry and some common sense to create images which reflect the modern world.
The quirks of modern life and the the human condition continue to inspire him to produce work which emphasizes beauty where others would not look to seek, highlight predicaments and poke fun at humans and their strange habits and motivations. Hong Kong and its unique characteristics and blend of east and west suit Pickering just fine!
After studying Fine Art, Sculpture and Illustration, Pickering set off in search of inspiration and this on-going journey has taken him from the UK to Hong Kong. Pickering has built an impressive portfolio of work and has exhibited in London, Manchester, Hong Kong, Preston and his hometown of Kendal, England.
Interview
How would you describe the type of art you produce? Do you have a specific style?
I see my artwork as temporary thoughts escaping my head. I have spent all my life creating and I find it difficult to narrow it down. My art is what lies around my brain waiting to pop out, I personally think I produce my best pieces when I'm asleep, dreaming. These are the most personal too because only I get to see them.
What themes do you explore via your work? Are you spontaneous in nature or do you have specific goals you hope to achieve?
I explore many themes through my art, mainly sex, death and the obscure. I like my characters to have personality, if they don't appear to be thinking, I have to rub them out. I create pieces to help me discover the world and myself. I want to understand all the circles and lines around me so I create my own.
Which artists inspire you? Are you influenced by their work? Do their styles feature in your work?
I am very inspired by everything that surrounds me, animals, plants, buildings, machines and of course, humans and their strange destructive habits. I have studied lots of artists, listened to many noises and watched lots of movements, it all makes me want to throw-up (creatively).
You are relatively new to Hong Kong; how has living here changed the way your approach your art?
I have lived in Hong Kong for 18 months now and I have been lucky enough to showcase my art in many different forms; Exhibitions, Gig posters, Art Battles, Installations, Street art, Doodles, Festivals and many others. Hong Kong has given me a different energy, a fresh start and a new confidence to play with.
Does the Hong Kong art scene and community have a specific sub-culture or is it easy to become established here?
It definitely does have its own sub-cultures and the art scene here is really growing. Its nice to see and work along side the street artists over here, they all seem very happy to see new faces and encourage you to make the scene even bigger and even more colourful. The team at 'Above Second' gave me my first chance, me and three other artists won a local artist competition and had an exhibition there seven months ago, since then I have had so many opportunities to create art in my own vision. 'Above Second' work heavily with local and global street artists and have been involved with so many cool projects since I've been here. It's not so much about being established but getting my art out there.
Is it hard to be an artist in Hong Kong? Can anyone ever make a living in this 24/7 city by simply being a full time artist?
Some of my art is character based and I find that character-based art in Asia goes down pretty well. If you draw something that the people can relate to in some way then you are onto a good start. You have to be committed and willing to do things that you maybe haven't done yet, throw yourself in the deep end and really do something original!
In artistic terms, what exactly is "selling out"?
For me "selling out" is doing something you don't believe in. Getting paid XXXXXXXX amount by MacDonald's to draw a clown holding a smiling child doesn't really appeal to me but not getting paid by MacDonald's to draw an evil clown force feeding a chubby brainless child does! I prefer to make art in my own vision or to create along side other creative-minded people. If some guys in suits start telling me that I need more logos and less tentacles, it can get really boring.
Creativity. Nurture or nature?
Everyone is creative in there own strange way, some people draw, some people make knitted jackets for undersized dogs. If you practice you will become more skilled and if keep your brain healthy you will SMILE…………..
Do you have any exhibitions coming up?
I am currently finishing a year long brief entitled 'A scribble a day keeps the madness away' Everyday I decided to illustrate, scribble, reflect, draw or sketch on an A5 page in my scribble journal. After 365 days I will have 3 journals full of scribbles and a mind as sharp as an axe. I will be exhibiting these journals and drawing after the Chinese New Year.
Follow me on Instagram: instagram.com/usedpencilartist
Or check out my website: www.usedpencil.com
Book Hotel Accommodation in Hong Kong China
Book Hotels in Hong Kong - Booking.com
Hotels in Hong Kong - Agoda
Find Hotels in Kowloon - Booking.com
Peninsula Hotel Hong Kong
Search Hotels in Macau - Booking.com
Venetian Macau Resort Hotel
Budget Hotels in Hong Kong - Booking.com