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by steven randall
After a successful career in finance I embarked on an artistic path following my wife’s diagnosis with an incurable brain tumour. She remains strong and in simple terms art was the by-product of this life changing event … although it is a long and evolving story.
Born and bred in Kirkby, a new town on the outskirts of Liverpool that was plagued by negative stereotypes in the 70s & 80s, I use my life experiences to fuel nieve and impressionistic illustrations. This is by design as I find comfort in their tight lines and in the certainty of outcomes. Heavily influenced by my amateur cartoonist mother and my shipwright and wrought iron sculptor grandad, I use a contrast of muted tones and primary colours to create evocative pieces. My first collection of works titled Kirkby Chronicles formed the bases of a solo exhibition in the Towns gallery in 2021 and several of the pieces then went on to adorn the walls of Liverpool’s national gallery, The Walker, as part of the ground breaking Art of the Terraces exhibition.
As a resident artist in Aintree University hospital, I continue a local connection to the community I grew up in and to date we have used my artwork to support many charitable partners. Our charitable footprint sits at around £42,000 (October 2024).
I’m working on a large project to be delivered in March 2025 that will showcase my artistic life thus far. This will be a multifaceted exhibition that revisits my nostalgic narrative and then transitions to introduce newer pieces that explore my use of Alla Prima painting to express my innermost feelings. A universal theme across all my work is that I see art as my solace. I invite others to interpret their own life stories through my imagery however that may look and especially in my latest works there is ample opportunity for debate and contemplation. Covering topics such as mental health, managing grief and celebrating overcoming adversity, it’s clear that I draw strength and comfort from melancholy and inspiration from living in the moment in equal measure.
I look forward to sharing more of my story early next year.
