Exclusive Interview with Mitch Griffiths

MODERN DAY MASTER

In this exclusive interview with Nicola McGeorge, contemporary British artist, Mitch Griffiths, delves into the inspiration behind his visionary collection, IMMORTAL, depicting the pandemic, identity politics, youth activism and social media. We also discuss the role of artists in todays society, his relationship with boxing legend Chris Eubank and a very unique wedding proposal.

Describe your background? Do you have a formal art education, or are you self-taught?

Painting-wise, I’m self-taught. I attended two art courses at college. One in Graphic Design and one in Illustration. I enjoyed the Graphics course; however, the Illustration course was a huge disappointment. No tuition whatsoever and certainly no introduction or guidance about painting. Indeed, figurative painting was dismissed. As was I. I taught myself how to paint oils after I left college. Mainly through trial and error. Everything I tried seemed to work in a way, though. I also discovered a love for Renaissance painting and absorbed as much inspiration as I could through books and museum visits.

Was there a defining moment in your life when you realised you were an artist?

It all goes back to my first day of primary school. We all had to do a drawing of anything we wanted. I drew what I thought was a scary monster. The teacher seemed to like it and whispered in my ear, “wonderful imagination!” That one whispered sentence that one moment led to me drawing at home, in my playtime, getting better, and receiving more encouragement again over and over.

The purpose of any kind of art... is to provoke emotion. What you are trying to get is a connection with the viewier

- Mitch Griffiths, 2022

What fueled your fascination with the Old Masters?

I was a fan of contemporary realist painting at first, particularly the work in the annual BP Portrait Award that was held in the National Portrait gallery. Then, as I slowly discovered famous renaissance works, that kind of snowballed into a deep dive of museum visits and art library lurking (this was before the internet).

What inspiration did you draw from your early relationship with Chris Eubank?

I’m constantly learning and will always consider myself a student of my craft. My creative horizon constantly moves forward at the same pace as my ability.

What memorable responses have you received to your work?

I’ve seen people become emotional in front of my work which is a pretty humbling experience.

Have you ever been surprised by the success of a painting?

I had always dreamed big (still do). I make sure I have the foundation of hard work in place to help me achieve the success I want.

What’s the most important or most memorable advice you’ve been given about your creation techniques?

Don’t wait for inspiration. Paint when you don’t want to. Paint when you’re tired. GRAFT.

Can you explain your working process for the Immortal series?

The world has been a tumultuous place for the last few years.

I found myself wanting to create a more alternate and escapist world. In regards to actually formulating ideas, I often describe the process of idea gathering as a circuit board of influences. They can comprise of images, words, poems, pop culture, news, history, and art history (the list is endless and ever-changing). It’s about making circuits on that board, trying different connections. Sooner or later, something will light up.

Can you select a favourite piece of work in the Immortal series and share your thoughts on it?

Each painting is a favourite while I’m working on it. The deepest connection I have to it is when it’s on my easel.

What are your ideal working conditions? How do you personally know when you’ve created something powerful?

I don’t, really. There are a few trusted people I share my ideas and works in progress with, but I ultimately trust my own goosebumps.

Contemporary artists today you admire?

I admire all artists who are hardworking and recognise it’s about the art, not the artist.

Your proposal to your wife was particularly unique; please elaborate?

I wanted to make a grand gesture that articulated all the immense feelings I was experiencing. I secretly painted a giant work at night of me and my girlfriend (now my wife, Cathy) and entered the BP

Portrait Award. To my immense relief, it was selected to be exhibited! I managed to arrange a private viewing for Cathy and me, and upon her viewing it, I told them they’d got the title wrong. She looked at the title card on the wall, which said, “Sending Message; Be my wife” (we were holding mobile phones in the painting). When she turned around, I was on one knee.

What is currently inspiring you and why?

Inspiration comes from everywhere and anywhere; obviously, the internet is the biggest paradigm shift in my life and all the other places I mentioned on the ‘circuit board’.

Are there any themes that are off-limits to you, and why?

Nothing is off-limits as long it doesn’t become exploitative.

Are there any artists you’d like to study with from the past, and why?

Never meet your heroes!

What do you dislike most about the art world?

The false sense of gravitas some artists give themselves. Pretentiousness. Emperor’s new clothes. The same things almost everyone else dislikes about it.

Do the arts have a place in politics?

I think it’s more that politics can have a place in the arts.

What role do you think the artist has in today’s society?

I’d probably have a different answer to this on any given day. The truth is, I don’t know. I am still working it out. Ultimately, to try to make people’s lives better in some small way.

Did any particular experience change the way you view the world?

Like everything else in my life, it’s accumulative. A thousand tiny kisses, a thousand tiny cuts.

What advice would you impart to budding creatives?

WORK. Your talent will only get you so far, and if you rely on only that, you’ll fall by the wayside.

What does your “downtime” look like?

I’m very lucky that I get to paint for a living, but it can be very solitary, so family time, exercise and friends.

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NURSES: A Voice to Lead

Celebrated on the 12th of May, International Nurses Day is the anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birth, widely considered to be the founder of modern nursing. The day recognises the incredible difference nursing staff make to individuals worldwide.

Across Avery’s care homes, we celebrated each of our nurses, giving thanks for their care and dedication to our residents.

This year, the theme was; Nurses: A Voice to Lead, focusing on investment in nursing, securing global health, and providing an opportunity to reflect on the impact nursing has on our health and well-being. Nursing staff continue to go above and beyond despite challenging circumstances, delivering highly skilled and critical care daily.

Across Avery’s care homes, we celebrated each of our nurses, giving thanks for their care and dedication to our residents. At Spencer House in Northampton, nurses received gifts of chocolate and a Nurse’s survival kit. Those at Elvy Court in Sittingbourne were treated to a delicious buffet lunch. At Bourn View in Birmingham, an Awards Ceremony was held, with residents also recognised for their hard work in previous nursing roles. After the ceremony, staff and residents enjoyed refreshments and, of course, lots of dancing.

Over at Cliftonville in Northampton, nurses were delighted to receive their gifts of chocolate, and those at Adelaide also received beautiful flowers. Nurses at Milton Court in Milton Keynes were recognised for going above and beyond, delivering highly skilled care to all residents. They received tokens of appreciation for their hard work, including cards and chocolates. Nurses play an essential role in care, with diverse skills and extensive knowledge developed through years of practice. International Nurses Day brings this hard work to the forefront of our minds as we thank our nurses for their consistently high standard of care delivered to our residents.