by Wahida Phillips, Boha Art Curator
Carne Griffiths Art
Carne’s art is incredibly expressive, colourful, and undoubtedly, beautiful. His paintings convey a sense of awe and reverie, and his style is instantly recognisable. There is nothing quite like it out there! Unsurprisingly, Carne Griffiths’ contemporary art is highly sought after and sold all over the world.
An ‘organic’ artist, he primarily works with calligraphy inks, tea, and alcohol to produce highly detailed and complex pieces of art. A fascination with drawing focuses on the creation and manipulation of the drawn line. His, pictures explore human, geometric, and floral forms, bringing together both literal and abstract translations. The paintings have a dreamlike sense and physical boundaries are unimportant. His artwork creates a journey of escapism which focuses on scenes of awe and wonder.
Early Career
Originally hailing from Liverpool, Griffiths graduated from the Kent Institute of Art and Design in Maidstone in 1995. He then moved to London to work for the longest-established gold wire embroidery firm in the world. He spent 12 years there as a gold embroidery designer and then creative director.
Carne’s intricate designs have graced film, theatre, fashion and advertising industries. For example, his designs were commissioned in the films Valkyrie, and The Last King of Scotland, and in particular his ‘Red Death Coat’ was used in The Phantom of the Opera. The iconic London jewellers Asprey used Carne’s elaborate floral designs for their first-ever catwalk collection.
Carne’s intricate designs have graced film, theatre, fashion and advertising industries. For example, his designs were commissioned in the films Valkyrie and The Last King of Scotland. In particular, his ‘Red Death Coat’ was used in The Phantom of the Opera. The iconic London jewellers Asprey used Carne’s elaborate floral designs for their first-ever catwalk collection.
Striking Out on His Own
Griffiths started his own studio in 2010, and his work has gone from strength to strength. Global exhibitions followed quickly, with his work shown at the London Original Print Fair, the Royal Academy, Stroke Art Fair, Affordable Art Fair, the London Art Fair and with solo Exhibitions in Brighton, Hong Kong, Milan and Hamburg. Carne’s illustration work has seen him collaborate with some very big names. For instance, he collaborated with John Rankin, arguably one of the world’s leading photographers Rankin. Carne has also worked on brand projects for Microsoft, Derwent, Peroni, Lakes Distillery and Ibis Hotels.
Carne Griffiths Art Workshop At Art Snug Gallery
Last summer I had the pleasure of meeting Carne and taking part in a workshop with him and other budding artists at Art Snug Gallery in London. I have admired his work for many years and never thought I’d get the chance to meet, let alone be taught by, such an illustrious artist!
It was fascinating to learn more about the man himself, his early career and how he made the leap to becoming a professional artist. We then explored some of the materials he uses, such as different types of paper, tea, and inks and also some line marker pens by Derwent. Carne carefully explained how he likes to work as well as demonstrated his process. We were then let loose to try for ourselves. It was so much fun and I could’ve stayed all day and more!
Proud Owner of Carne Griffiths Art
Although I was pleased with my effort in Carne’s style, I was more pleased to finally purchase my very own Crane Griffith’s art! It was so hard to choose just one, but I finally fell for ‘The Butterfly Effect’. I enjoy looking at it every day, and even now I still notice a detail I hadn’t seen before. One day I hope to add to my collection!
