An Art-To-Art With Victoria Topping

It's raining, it's pouring, and quite honestly, we're sick of this awful English weather! The sunshine cannot come any quicker are we right?! Luckily however, we have the perfect antidote to those grim grey skies in the form of Victoria Topping's vibrant  artwork...  If you love colour you'll most definitely love her - so it's about time that we let you in to our little studio chit chat!

Before becoming an artist, you began your career working as an illustrator… So if you could illustrate any book, what would it be and why? 

I’m actually in the process of illustrating a book at the moment. It’s a large illustrated book on the Greek gods and Myths I’m so excited about it! It’s a perfect subject for my work…
 
We definitely agree – it’s a perfect subject for the mesmerising patterns and images you create! When it comes to producing these illustrations you use a combination of techniques, including the computer. Do you have a favourite tool that you use for this?

The swatches. It’s a little pallet of textures and patterns that I have uploaded from my photos and mark making. I use it to fill shapes and lay them over my drawing to add life and texture.
 
That’s so clever! You definitely use technology to your advantage which we love. Speaking of which, you’ve just started using the iPad… Do you find it hard to “draw”?

Not at all! I use a pencil which is incredible - it responds to pressure and even the angle of your pencil so you can shade. Once you get used to the texture of the screen it’s amazing how good it is. I’m always very keen to embrace new technology. VR and 3D Painting is what’s next on my list.

We don’t think we’d be able to do anywhere near what you can do on the iPad… You’re so talented! Aside from technology, you also use a variety of collage elements in your work too. Are there any that you’re yet to use but want to feature in your work in the future?

Absolutely I have thousands of photos and elements stored up ready for the right project.
 
That’s very organised of you! Speaking of projects, if you could collaborate on a print with anyone (dead or alive!), who would it be and why?

Probably Keith Haring as I’m such a huge fan; his boldness and expression perfectly encapsulates the time and the music that I love. He was also very good at dealing with important issues in his work in a way that was educating and empowering to the viewer. Love is the message!
 
We couldn’t put it better ourselves! On the subject of love and music, we know that your passion for 1970’s jazz is an important influence for your work. If you could design a promotional poster for any music artist, who would it be?

I’m very lucky to be able to do posters and records sleeves for some amazing artists but I am yet to do Grace Jones - she is my all time favourite muse!

She’s definitely inspirational! Now an all important question, if you had to pick one, what would the theme song to your life be?!

You can’t ask a record collector this question there is too much to choose from! The album I’m listening to most at the moment is Curtis Mayfield - Something to believe in, psychedelic soul, love and social justice that fills me with inspiration. 
 
To be honest his album sounds right up your street and describes you down to a tee! Your other passion though which comes across in your artwork is your love for colour and vibrance. So would you rather a world without colour or a world without music?
 
Ha! No one has asked me that before....I think I would rather be dead! 
 
Haha that says a lot! But finally, where do you see yourself in five years time?

Making bigger and better art! 

Browse All Victoria Topping Art