Interview
Lee Stone
Lee Stone started out studying Graphic Design then Freelance Cartoon and Illustration. He then focused on stippling and marker portraiture. Now, Lee mainly produces paintings in the Pop Art genre. He creates his own handmade stencils to produce vivid and colourful pieces heavily inspired by Street Art.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“Straight out of high school, I completed a Graphic Design course. I then completed a Freelance Cartoon and Illustration course via the Australian College of Journalism. I had success selling cartoons on the two occasions I submitted my work to monthly publications in Australia. I quickly realized it was going to be a tough way to make a living. I then became a barman for 7 years before changing occupations to become a scaffolder for the following 22 years. Now, I'm back doing what I love, which is creating art in the hope I can carve a career out of it.”
What inspires you?
“I find inspiration can come from anywhere but mainly other artists inspire me the most. I follow a wide variety of artists online, from hyper realistic artists, street artists, mixed media artists all the way through to sculptors and wood turners. I love seeing what other people can create with complete freedom and that really inspires me.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“I have done the odd piece with an underlying message but generally I've tried to stay clear of making bold statements, especially politically. Mainly because I'm just starting out and I'm trying to appeal to the widest possible audience I can. With that being said, I do plan on changing that stance in the future.”
How would you describe your work?
“When drawing, I mainly do portraits in ink or alcohol markers. My paintings would be described as Pop Art. I would describe them as bright, colourful and reasonably contemporary. Some of my pieces, I try to add a little humour and other pieces I sneak in some 80's or 90's references. That may be in the form of video game/cartoon/TV or movie characters.”
Which artists influence you most?
“That's a tough question as I'm mainly influenced by lesser known artists I follow online though when studying art in high school one of my favourite artists was Jeffrey Smart.”
“I love seeing what other people can create with complete freedom and that really inspires me.”
What is your creative process like?
“My creative process is pretty much all in my head. I don't do thumbnails or anything like that. I take my ideas straight to the canvas. Which means I often don't know exactly what I'm going to end up with, which is fine with me. If I don't like the finished product I just paint over it and try again.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“Creative expression is vital to a healthy and open minded society. Artwork inspires people, gives them hope and touches the soul in ways that words cannot. How that evolves has me slightly concerned with the rise of AI and computer generated imagery.”
Instagram: @stoney_art_
