Tell us about you! Where are you from, what was life like growing up?
I grew up in Victoria, BC and started doing art at a young age. I was always in private art classes instead of being a sports kid.
What made you decide to pursue art as your life passion?
I didn’t really decide, It just kind of happened… I started painting a lot more and getting a couple shows and it slowly progressed until I had to quit my day job in order to keep up with my art.
What’s it like when your pieces are displayed in a gallery or at a show?
Its good to see my work up, especially if its a new piece. After working on something for so long and then seeing it hanging in a gallery gives me a sense of completion. Its also cool because its normally the first time I am able to stand back and take in the entire piece.
What artists from the past or present inspire you the most?
Francis Bacon, Francisco Goya, Lucian Freud, Jenny Saville, Picasso
What around you inspires you most when you are creating a piece?
Music is big, it helps provide the motivation and energy for my work. But really its the creative process itself that inspires me to keep going, that last 25% of the painting when it really starts to pick up speed.
What are your favorite pieces to design and create?
Working on anything big is my favourite and having interesting subject matter helps… I tend to gravitate to subject matter that is raw and has an edge to it but I like getting outside my comfort zone and exploring different styles too.
How do you select what materials to use in your art?
I use what works best for me and what suites the piece I am working on. I am constantly experimenting with different methods and materials to keep things interesting.
What are your plans for the future?
My plan is to keep pushing my work, painting more and doing more shows. My main goal is to start showing my work internationally.
Click here to view Mitchell Villa’s work.
Amazing! Follow your passion!