The Visible Artist

Olly Fathers

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Episode notes

How can artists build relationships in the art world? What is it like to have your work selected for the Soho House collection? How do you balance a practice rooted in traditional materials and techniques, with a fascination for new digital directions? How can you develop networks with your followers across the globe? And, last but not least, what is it like working with the UK Marquetry Society?

I travelled to ASC studios in Brixton to visit Olly Fathers, a wonderfully talented artist who never stops exploring ways to expand his practice, from the very traditional to the digital.

His work is both playful and precise; working in wood, paper, card and more, Olly experiments with different materials and forms, examining the interactions of geometric shapes and bold block colours. Each piece is beautifully finished and invites the viewer to look closely at the precision of the puzzle-like artworks.

This was particularly the case for his recent shortlisted piece for the Concord Art Prize. Inspired by the musical song, ‘Pure Imagination’, Olly created a large-scale installation of pastel blocks and wooden squiggles suspended in mid-air thanks to crafty hidden wires. It fitted the song perfectly - light, delicate and almost unreal.

As you can hear from our conversation, Olly is a very warm, open person who has managed to forge many friendships with the art world - from the Soho House curatorial team to the Vice President of the UK Marquetry Society. We chat about how he secured amazing opportunities such as the Jealous Rooftop Mural commission, painting the storefront of We Built This City in Carnaby Street and his multiple Soho House commissions.

As we mention in our convsation, if anyone sees his work in Tel Aviv, please send him a photo!

Follow Olly Fathers @ollyfathers

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Hosted and produced by Sophie Loxton Lucas, The Visible Artist podcast features individual artists and their paths to success within the creative world. Alongside conversations with an array of practicing artists, Sophie chats to key art world protagonists about their experiences of working with artists. The Visible Artist podcast is a must-listen for any artists looking to make their mark in today’s art world.