THarrisonArt

I Graduated in 2011 with a BA hons Fine Art (Integrated Media) Degree from Blackburn College. Since then I have been creating artwork of my local area and my friends and family.

My work is closely connected to my state of mind. Having suffered from recurring panic attacks and depression since I was 17. While I never set out for my work to have messages about my illness I do find I am drawn toward subject matter that can often stir up melancholic emotions.

When in early 2010 I suffered a major relapse of my illness I had to take some time off my studies as I was suffering from agoraphobia and unable to leave the house for many months. In this time I knew I had to keep busy and I was unwilling to let all the skills I had learnt over my years at college and university go to waste so I began to draw objects around the home. When i was well enough to continue my studies in 2011 i found i had created hundreds of drawings from around the house and with the guidances of my tutors I was able to use these as the majority of my professional practice. I do feel proud that I managed to turn my illness into a somewhat positive and productive time of my life.

Since leaving University I have continued to focus mainly on my drawings as I feel there is still a lot I can develop with my style. I enjoy using graphite dust to block in basic tones as it can be pushed around the paper and sits lightly on the paper which I find is especially good when creating skies and different weather conditions.

I do also enjoy painting with oils even though I am not currently focusing on it. I believe and experimenting with different techniques, having accidents and making mistakes is essential to grow as an artist and develop a unique style.

I am influenced by many artists but my key influences are the Impressionists, Edward Hopper, Euan Uglow and Robert Dukes.

I always play music when I am working and I do feel it has a real influence on how my artwork turns out so I would also include Elbow and Lucy Rose as major artistic influences.