Robson Stannard is an artist and illustrator, working mainly in the fashion world to create colourful and unique illustrations for clients such as GQ, The Gay Times, Dazed and Confused and Liberty London. Robson uses multi-media to bring his creations to life, mainly painting first and then cutting his creations out to collage onto his work.
We travelled a little further afield this month to meet Robson at his home in the heart of the Suffolk countryside to talk about his love of interiors, favourite scents and his exciting new solo exhibition, soon to launch at Leman Locke Hotel in Aldgate.
What was it about the craft of illustration that drew you in?
Growing up, I always knew that art was something I wanted to pursue and during my foundation year in college, I was exposed to so many different techniques and experimentation and was subsequently put forward for the course of Fashion Illustration by my then college course leader. I did a lot of research and discovered that it combined both my love for drawing and fashion. I knew I wanted to be in London to study and when the Fashion Illustration course at London College of Fashion was suggested to me, I knew that’s where I needed to be.
What is it about the human form that interests you?
The Human form to me is so diverse and interesting because no two are alike. During my time studying at the London College of Fashion, I opted to study the human form in depth. I was exposed to so many incredible artists who have studied the form throughout the history of art. None had more of an impact on my work than Francis Bacon who I was intoxicated by.
How would you describe your creative process?
It depends on what I’m working on – I certainly have a routine of how I create my work; a process of painting first so that I can gauge the colours for the rest of the image. Or alternatively, if I am creating one of my wiggle images, this is very sporadic and usually a response to how I’m feeling at the time. Typically if I’m creating a fashion portrait, I will find images on Instagram – usually backstage images as the poses and angles are more interesting composition-wise. I will then make an initial sketch and go straight in with paints, trying to create a palette that will compliment the models clothing. I finish these pieces with coloured pencils usually to get the detail of the clothing right.
Do you have any new projects that you’re working on at the moment that you’re able to share with us?
I am currently in the finalising stage of my first solo exhibition, which is a creative residency with Locke Hotels on Leman Street, Aldgate. The exhibition will be a culmination of my time spent in lockdown and the work responses I was creating during this time. It’s a 24-piece show spread across the entire hotel. You can book tickets via Eventbrite and my work will be on show until the beginning of November.
As the season begins to change, what would you say is your favourite thing about autumn?
I have an affinity with autumn and winter because I adore dressing for a colder climate. My entire wardrobe is aimed at these two seasons and I get very confused with dressing for the summer heat.
Is there anything that you’re reading at the moment that you would like to recommend?
I’ve been reading a lot more since the start of the pandemic, whipping through as many books as possible when I can. I am currently reading ‘The Queer Bible‘ by Jack Guinness, which I’ve been loving. I have also read and re-read Olivia Laings ‘The Lonely City‘ which if you haven’t read you really must!
Which Evermore fragrance is your favourite?
North was the first I tried and it will always have a special place in my heart, but I recently tried the more autumnal fragrance Grove, which is an equally gorgeous scent – the scent of pine and eucalyptus has an almost nostalgic quality about it for me of
Follow Robson on Instagram:
@robson_stannard
Visit Robson’s Website:
robsonstannard.com
Shop Grove.
– Images by Liz Seabrook