Congratulations to phenomenal British artist, Pippa Hale-Lynch for placing 2nd in the 5th Edition of Boynes Emerging Artist Award!

Who are you?

I grew up in the UK and then lived in Melbourne, Australia for a couple of years before moving back and focusing on pursuing art. My mum was a keen painter, she loved painting animals so I grew up with her creating paintings in her spare time. In my teens, I would go along to exhibitions with my parents/friends and I was always drawn to representational works that were made to look so realistic and fleshy. I set about to learn from Youtube videos, books, researching online, courses in traditional representational techniques and practice where I could It wasn’t until I finished my Architect Registration studies a couple of years ago that meant I had the spare time to create the paintings I wanted to. It’s still very much a balancing act juggling both so I’m still very much at the beginning of my life as an artist.

What inspired you to begin utilizing oil paint?

My mum used to create oil paintings of animals as a hobby and growing up I would set up a workspace next to her and experiment with using the paints. I would see the results and techniques she used and this inspired a whole process of experimenting with what the paints can achieve. 

Can you discuss the inspiration and thought process behind “Oblivion?"

The initial idea of using water and its reflections originated from a project I did while doing my Architecture Masters where I was photographing petals in water. I was fascinated with the ethereal quality the water had. For a few years, the idea of incorporating figures was bubbling under the surface as I developed my painting skills. When it came around to actually doing a photoshoot for the paintings it was such a fun process. My cousin and I experimented with bath bombs and plants that we found in nearby parks. We spent a whole day together playing around with ideas and she was fantastic at creating lots of interesting poses to capture. 

Your work seems to showcase an almost peaceful subject, can you talk to us about how you achieved this and why?

I’ve had varying feedback on this one. The intent was to capture the moment of being underneath the water for just a few seconds and the feeling of isolation from your surroundings - and it seems like you see that too. Yet, I’ve also had people say how the work is haunting or has dark undertones.

The images act in a similar manner as the cup half full/cup half empty expression. Depending on whether you see the figures emerging from the water or being submerged, each has opposing connotations and therefore become a reflection of the viewer's frame of mind as they view the work. 

Your works in particular also seems to utilize water quite often, can you explain your attraction to utilizing this subject in your paintings?

I had been building my skillset and wanted something new to challenge and push the techniques I had been learning. 

I initially was interested in the abstract aesthetic paired with the realism of the figure and exploring the drama they can create, while still being quite ambiguous and meditative. I was particularly inspired by paintings I had seen in an exhibition by Henrik Uldalen and Jeremy Gedds, I absolutely love their work.
The more I explored the idea of using water the more excited I got about creating the work, like an itch I had to scratch. It’s different every time and with each painting, I’m still learning something new.

Can you explain why you choose Oil Painting as a medium for your work and voice as opposed to others?

I have been using oil paints for a long time, so it's more likely familiarity than anything else. I have previously used acrylics and attempted watercolours but I find oil paint much more forgiving for the aesthetic I look for.

I use other mediums for different parts of the process such as photography and digital drawings for the initial preparation stages and then I use oil paints for the final product. I certainly admire those who are skilled at photography. But for me, I use it as more of a tool than an art form. 

Have you experimented with other mediums? If so, which ones and how?

Digital drawings are great for quick sketches, and also experimenting with colours and other aspects that would take much longer manually or with paint. I am looking to experiment more with different mediums so I don’t get too comfortable or stagnant. I also use charcoal or pencil for quick line drawings in my sketchbook, some of my favourite ones are done in less than 10 minutes so I get out of my comfort zone - I get too focused on the detail otherwise.

Can you talk about your biggest learning experience during the process of painting yourself?

One of my self-portraits done a few years back (the one that shows half my face, still on my Instagram) is distressingly out of proportion. But I hadn’t realised it much until it was too late. I happened to look at the image in a mirror and had to mirror a copy of the image to double-check. I was so disappointed I hadn’t achieved the likeness I wanted. So of course, now I look at images from all different angles, within mirrors and upside down etc from the very start.

Nowadays, I don’t feel there is much difference between painting myself to any other person I paint, as I focus on creating the shapes that create the form. During a life drawing class when I was in college I was told to “draw what you see - not what you think you see”. I tell this to myself when trying to abstract the shapes and colours from the person and focus, for example, on what light and shadow shapes make up the nose, rather than what I think the outline of the nose is supposed to be.

What projects are you working on currently? Can you discuss them?

I’m currently still working on another painting within the same series, I’ve got some progress photos on my Instagram and no doubt will be adding more as it nears completion, but because of the size, it’s a little slow going.

I also have many others in the pipeline - another self-portrait which I’ll use to experiment a little more which I’m excited about. I’m hoping to be able to experiment more with the next series I’m planning to undertake this year too. Watch this space!

Lastly, I like to ask everyone what advice they would give to their fellow artists/photographers, what is your advice?

I was given a not so subtle gift a while back, the book “Rest” by Alex Soojung-Kim Pang. With everyone being in a rush to be what society deems “successful” or be accessible/create content constantly - it was a good reminder to create a sustainable practice that ensures you look after yourself in the process. Something I’m still learning.

To view more of Pippa Hale-Lynch’s work:

Website

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