Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Mark Redden. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Mark, thanks for joining us today. The first dollar you earn is always exciting – it’s like the start of a new chapter and so we’d love to hear about the first time you sold or generated revenue from your creative work?

As a kid I drew and painted and made little sculptures. As many kids do. When I was around 15 I had a business studies teacher called Mr Ward. I wasn’t much interested in business studies, I used to secretly draw in his class. He didn’t mind much, he caught me a couple of times and gave me a light scolding. One day I brought a couple of wire sculptures into his classroom, as I had my art class after business studies class. Two figures made of coat hangers on 2 rock plinth that I collected on the beach. He saw them on my desk and asked about them. Then in front of the class he offered to buy them. We negotiated briefly, and struck a deal. This was my first real business studies lesson!! I walked out of that class with 40 pounds (it was before the Euro!). I was slightly bewildered. I missed my sculptures a little but I was delighted to have transformed found materials into two crispy 20 pound notes. It felt like the greatest magic act I had ever performed.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am a painter and sculptor. Drawing is an important part of my practice too. I have been making abstract oil paintings and wooden sculptures for 20 years. I combine my artwork in exhibitions that are carefully configured to shape a mythological story. Within the paintings I allow forms to exist that may be described as figurative or landscape, but that are certainly abstract . Colour and composition are very important. Studying art history, observing and keeping a sketchbook are my primary resource for picture making. The sculptures are forms that may have emerged out of the paintings, so that taken together a scene is created that plays with rhythm and balance. I don’t use any direct visual reference in my work, instead allowing my imagination to play freely. What I hope is that the viewer can deduce their own interpretation of the art and relate it to their memories, feelings and knowledge.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

Time and freedom.
The greatest privileges of being an artist are well known. The freedom to create and time spent doing what you truly want do. When one considers the constraints of a ‘regular’ life, the life of an artist who lives from their creativity is one of great liberty. I think too that to be able to share this time is a great gift. I believe the role of a true artist should be rooted in compassion for humanity, there should be an altruistic element to our practice that serves to make this world a better place.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

Success is not measured by the sale of my artwork. Success is measured by my happiness and the happiness of my community.
I constantly learn and unlearn this. Money does not make happiness. Kindness, love and care make happiness.

I met an artist once who considered himself successful. He had a big gallery selling his art and he couldn’t keep up with demand. Because he was so ´successful´ he had very little time for anyone other than himself. Most of what he spoke about and represented was his ´success.´ But he was not very content. It is not the destination, but the search. The purpose of life is a life of purpose. Everyday commit a radical act of love and other such mantras remind me to keep true to my practice.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.markredden.com
• Instagram: mark.redden
• Other: Vimeo: IOMRAMH

Image Credits

Natxo Paramo
Vitor Schietti
Gregory Bell