Vibrant, colourful art with touch of humour

Q&A with Meirion Ginsberg How old are you? I’m 33 years old Where are you from? Bethel, outside Caernarfon.

THIS week we talk to artist Meirion Ginsberg, whose work is on display at Oriel Tegfryn, Menai Bridge. Q Tell us about your family A Creativity was and still is encouraged in my family. My dad is a brilliant painter and instrument maker. The rest of the family create music. I’m the only one that has pursued a career in painting. Q Tell us about your exhibition A My latest body of work is an on-going progression in my practice as an artist. It’s a natural way forward and a slight nudge towards possible ideas for future works. The exhibition is being held at Oriel Tegfryn in Menai Bridge. Q When is it running from/to? AIt is on until February 16. Q What can people expect? A I’m hoping people will see a sense of progression and development in my work. Q Tell us five things which make your exhibition great? A 1. Colour. I think the most striking thing about my paintings is the strong palette of colours that I use. This leads on to… 2. Vibrancy. I like to think that my paintings demand the viewers’ attention whether they like the subject matter, the execution etc. or not. 3. Variety. Of course, there are a collection of portraits – male and female - in this exhibition but also paintings of people ‘in action’, as it where, such as Clothes Line and Dog Walkers [pictured]. In addition, I have included some still life works. 4. Humour. There is often an element of humour in my work that I think people enjoy. 5. Because a collection of paintings takes time to create, the number of solo shows I am able to put on is limited. I’m very pleased, therefore, to have the opportunity to show my latest work once again at Oriel Tegfryn. Q Tell us what’s good about the venue A The venue has a great balance of wall space and a homely feel. It’s perfect for visualising what the work would look like in your own home. The staff are knowledgeable and welcoming, too. Q Who is your favourite artist and why? A It’s difficult for me to choose a favourite artist. I tend to like artists who are original regardless of their ability. Some painters that have inspired my work: Rembrandt, de Kooning, Bacon, Freud, Marisol, Morandi, Picasso, Mattise, Gwen John, Alice Neel, Bonard, Veuard, Van Gogh etc. Q What piece of work are you most proud of and why? A There are elements in all of the paintings that resonate with me. The details I like from these pictures are the textures that have been built up over the months it took to create them. I feel this adds a sense of time, unfolding the process of these paintings. Q What’s next for you? What are you working on, or what do you plan to work on? A I’m planning some new material. I’m choosing to make smaller paintings on paper as a change in scale. I have no plans for any future exhibitions until I have enough work to be confident in my direction.