Central St Martin’s graduate Phil Hall draws in the same way that some of us dream; streams of consciousness, themes interspersed with sudden hints and whispers of unrelated recollections. Some of his work contains snippets of dialogue, often witty and astute but again with an undertone of the surreal and reminiscent of muddled hallucinogenic dream talk (yes, that is a technical term).
His commissions to date include the magazines La Bouche, Crafty and Torpedo, as well as for the G2 Guardian supplement and animation company Kanoti. Animals, both actual and fictitious, are nestled between cityscapes and underwater worlds, while everyday objects are comically personified and everyday scenes playfully reinterpreted.
Figures and portraiture are also common threads throughout Hall’s work, which he has an incredible skill for undertaking. Subtle use of lines and marks, but nonetheless full of expression, the characters are often solemn and appear loss in thought. I wondered whether this was a reflection of Hall’s own state of mind and so challenged him to a quick fire round of questions. Turns out he’s actually a pretty sharp guy.
So, Phil, what makes you so awesome?
I don’t know about that, but I think people who want to create, try new things, provoke through art are pretty awesome.
Which artists or illustrators do you most admire?
Anybody who is trying new and interesting things, especially people who take risks.
Who or what is your nemesis?
That darn negative voice in my head
Which band past or present would provide the soundtrack to your life?
New Radiohead stuff, i know, i know…
I say Modern Art is Rubbish, you say…?
Some of it
If you weren’t an artist, what would you be doing?
climbing the walls
What would your pub quiz specialist subject be?
90’s video games, yes, I’m slightly embarrassed by this but as an 80’s child in was such escapism.
What advice would you give up and coming artists?
Believe in your own ideas, but always question them.
What piece of modern technology can you not live without?
The Internet and hoverboard
What is your guilty pleasure?
Crap TV
Tell us something about Phil Hall that we didn’t know already.
I’m a triplet, I have two sisters, ones a florist the other a teaching assistant.
When I fall asleep tonight, when I slip into that state of meditative relaxation and my mind lets go of the reality of my day, I hope my dreams are as vibrant and vivid as Phil Hall’s illustrations.
What do you dream about?
Tags:
Central St Martin's, Illustration, Interview, Phil Hall
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Great work big phil, looking forward to seeing your new work.
Great work here by Hall, never knew he could be such a sharp guy either! Good interview!