Jealous:

Hi Graham. Tell us a little bit about your screenprint collection!

Graham: 

Let me start by saying its so nice to start a conversation about prints that doesn’t start with “You’re buying another ****ing print?! Where are you going to put it?”

It’s probably fair to say that I have a bit of a print habit.

A habit that Jealous gallery has helped feed for quite a few years now.

Jealous: 

We are very happy to feed that habit! Do you remember when you first discovered Jealous and what attracted you to us?

Graham: 

I first noticed Jealous when I was wandering through Crouch end on my way to fend off a hangover at Banners. (Another regular habit.)

I saw a print in the gallery window that grabbed my attention. It was Charming Bakers “Half Pint”. I promised myself I’d grab a copy as soon as my head cleared. 

My head cleared and I forgot. When I eventually got around to going back it had sold out. Gutted. So, I resolved to try and be at the front of the queue rather than a latecomer for Charming’s next release. Hence why I have a home that’s full of his work. Lots of it is up on the walls. And lots of it is stacked against the walls. But I’ll still keep an eye out for new work. 

Jealous: 

We were wondering when you’d bring up Baker. We know you’re a fan - what is it about Baker's work that intrigues you?

Graham:

There’s something about Baker’s style that I really love. His beautifully painted or drawn images expertly reproduced by Jealous just appeal to me. So I’m always there with my finger on the button poised every time there’s another release.

Jealous: 

He's definitely a very talented artist. Is there something particular about the process of screenprint that you find interesting?

Graham:

I’m constantly surprised and amazed at what the Jealous crew manage to produce through their screen printing antics. They are always pushing the boundaries and coming up with new ideas.

The process itself looks simple and immediate. But having tried to do it myself I know that it takes dedication and skill to make it look that easy. 

Last year I took my 13-year-old god daughter Edez, down to Print club as a birthday present. My print failed in spectacular fashion. Hers came out a treat. So I was happy to buy one from her that takes pride of place in my collection. Hoping that I’ve got in early on a young budding artist. 

(Hers is currently my favourite print!)

Jealous:

We know you make some of your own work, so please could you tell us what inspires your work?

Graham:

My background is in advertising as an Art Director. A similar background to Dave Buonaguidi, but without the later success in the art world.

As Dave says – there’s something about having an idea, then being able to get it made quickly and to your own satisfaction, rather than the slow death of an idea in advertising. 

This is why I spend so much time in my shed making lino prints. It’s a great outlet and keeps me sane.

@stokiegraham on Instagram if you fancy taking a look.