ARTS Q & A: Brett Rafferty goes public

New Westminster artist Brett Rafferty recently opened his own studio on 12th Street where he goes to focus on his painting. It’s something he fell into on the side and a far cry from his day job. Visit www.brettrafferty.com for more on his work.

Q: Do you have a day job? What is it and does it influence your painting at all?

A: For the past six years I’ve been a machine operator in the cable and wire industry. Shift work can be challenging under normal circumstances, fitting the studio in and just living everyday family life really adds to the pile. Because the studio is so important to me, I just make it happen.

Q: How did you get started in painting? Do you have any formal training?

A: I looked into art school but was never really serious. I was happy with the way I did things from the start. I’ve just paid close attention to artists around me then I simply apply their techniques in ways that work for me. I was always a drawer, then about 10 years ago while in another local gallery, I was challenged by the owner to start painting and never really looked back. It’s been developing steadily ever since.

Q: What sorts of things do you like to paint? What mediums do you prefer and how would you describe your style of painting?

A: I usually use acrylic paints because I like the way they can be used, thick, thin, on canvas or plaster. It’s a very easy paint to work with. As for what I like to paint, I have no real favourite subject or theme, it’s really about the mood, season or place that I’m in. I really think my exaggerated realism style works for me. I like things to be proportionately correct yet just a little less than perfect so it feels like artistry was involved.

Q: You recently opened a studio on 12th Street. Why did you do that rather than painting in the privacy of your own home?

A: I’ve been painting from my in-house studio for a long time with some success and was happy with the way it was going. Then when this opportunity came along with what felt like a great space and not far from home I decided this next step was necessary if I really wanted it. “It” being a career as an artist. The extra costs are stressful but worth it.

Q: Why do you paint?

A: Painting is always fun but it has its stresses, especially with commissioned art. The real attraction to me is when a customer takes your art home and can’t wait to hang it in their chosen place. It feels really good when someone wants a little piece of you above their fireplace. You could have a $1,000-sofa but a $100-painting can steal the room. It’s really fun to continue to challenge myself and hopefully the studio is just the first of many good things to come. Any artist would tell you so much time is put into each piece and there is only so much time in each day. With so many great artists out there, it’s so cool to just be part of it all.

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