A Conversation with the Artist Behind Colour-Changing Creations
Learn about Mitchel Lawton's artistic path as he creates three-dimensional works that shift and change from different viewpoints. During this exclusive interview, Mitchel discusses his colour-changing creations, inspirations, and experimental methods in materials and techniques while sharing his ambitions to expand contemporary abstract art boundaries.
The Artistic Vision and Innovation
Mitchel Lawton stands as an innovative artist in contemporary art because his experimental techniques with texture and dimension appeal to both collectors and art lovers. His dynamic 3D creations that shift hues with perspective changes show only a portion of his continually developing artistic path. The creative force behind these immersive visual experiences in British contemporary art became the focus of our discussion with this exceptional talent.
Q. Do you find that audiences interact differently with your 3D works compared to your earlier creations?
"Yes it seems to grab peoples attention as they study it. They move past a few times to see the changes. It certainly seems to generate more engagement and interest."
Q. What role does light play in your new artworks, and how do you see it influencing your next body of work?
"My next works will use light to change the appearance of the art from 'off' to 'on' looking completely different due to the densities of paint used. Hard to explain but all may be revealed soon."
Q. Looking ahead, what excites you most about pushing the boundaries of texture and dimension in your upcoming projects?
"Creating artworks that engage people in a way that is visually appealing but not confrontational. I believe art should be enjoyed and also ask a few questions, like 'I wonder how did he do that?' for example."
Q. Are there any unconventional materials or technologies you're hoping to experiment with in future pieces?
"In the future I can see the use of light strips and perspex tubes that change colour and shape, sounds a bit weird and may not work but it's the way my head works and I'll have to see whether I can make the art work also. Experimentation is the key to success, don't stay only with what you know, I like to push the boundaries a little."
Light, texture, and perspective together establish the basis for Lawton's artistic practice. Lawton’s exploration of how artwork can be made to change with things like viewer position, makes his work distinctive in contemporary British art, along with the global genre of abstract art.
The Creative Journey
Q. Where did your love of art begin?
"In my early 30s I started to take an interest in art, mostly contemporary works from artists such as Mondrian, Pollock, Rothko and more recently Zhuang Hong Yi who specialises in 3D works."
Q. What initially drew you to abstract art as your chosen form of expression?
"Abstract and modern contemporary art is where my interest lies mostly. Modern art provides a great talking point and enhances any environment whether home, office or commercial spaces."
Q. Tell us a little about your inspiration, for example, which other artists inspire you, and how the idea for your colour-changing 3D pieces came about?
"I saw a great artist exhibiting in London called Zhuang Hong Yi, he works with rice paper, making amazing colours and 3D shapes. I think taking inspiration from other talented artists is the key to progression."
Q. How has your artwork evolved over the years? Have there been any surprising shifts in your creative direction?
"Over the years I have come to appreciate that art is personal and must be based on something I find interesting, so its quite selfish really as long as it works for me then thats ok, If anyone else likes my work then thats even better."
The evolution of Lawton's artistry demonstrates the current trend in contemporary abstract art which emphasizes experiential and multi-dimensional creations. Lawton's progression from appreciating to creating art demonstrates his transformation from a passionate collector to an artist. This is a change which many Wyecliffe collectors identify with as they build stronger art collections through transformative experiences with pieces like Lawton's.
The Working Process
Q. Do you have a preferred medium to work with and why?
"I have areas in which I work, the current being 3D colour-changing artworks, however other areas could be triptychs, perspex, glass, plaster and I can see sculpture being an area of future interest."
Q. What is your studio like? Are you quite neat or do you prefer a little creative chaos?
"I am quite chaotic and messy much to everyone's annoyance, but when the art flows, let it rip is my opinion."
Q. When do you usually find time to create? Are you a late-night artist or more of a morning maker?
"When the weather is hot, that's when I am the most productive; using both the studio as well as the garden to create art is when I'm at my best. I did live in Spain for a while and often think it would be nice to move back and become a full-time artist."
Q. Have you always created abstract work, or did your style evolve from other artistic explorations?
"I have always based in abstract contemporary but sometimes dabble with cityscapes and portraits."
Q. Do you have any quirky studio rituals or habits when you're working?
"Not really to be honest, nothing interesting springs to mind, just listening to music maybe or news on the radio."
The artist's approach to creation balances spontaneity with intention, allowing his environmental conditions to influence his output. This responsiveness to atmosphere and light particularly enhances his colour-changing works, which themselves respond to the conditions of viewing.
Understanding Abstract Art
Q. What do you think makes abstract art so powerful in how it connects with people on a personal level?
"Abstract artwork is not obvious, it can make an immediate impression or it can take a while to be fully absorbed, either way it should be enjoyed and hopefully inspire."
Q. If you could hang your pieces anywhere in the world, where would you like to see them?
"I really like the architecture of the Guggenheim in Bilbao, so to be shown in such a stunning environment would be a great achievement for me. Alternatively big contemporary houses in places like London/New York/Dubai/Paris would be great also."
Q. If you could collaborate with any artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?
"David Bowie, a great musician and artist. His graciousness in life and in death was inspiring, and his work will exist a long time after he has gone."
In contemporary collecting, abstract art continues to maintain its appeal precisely because of this quality of personal interpretation that Lawton mentions. His works, like those of many contemporary abstract artists represented by Wyecliffe Galleries, offer viewers the freedom to discover their own meaning and connection with each piece.
Beyond the Canvas
Q. What do you like to do in your spare time?
"I like to visit London art galleries, play golf, ride my motorcycle, go out with family, travel and walk the dog in Richmond or Bushy Park."
Q. If you weren't creating art, what other creative outlet might you explore?
"I would love to be a successful inventor, I have created many ideas that have never got past the drawing board really. A teleporter would be the ultimate, I can just imagine that on Dragons Den!"
Q. What's one thing people would be surprised to learn about you?
"That I'm an artist!"
Mitchel Lawton's is one of experimental transformation and visual innovation, where his journey unfolds through works that literally change before your eyes with each shift in perspective.
