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DOMESTOS and QUINK Fascinating outcomes from the most unlikeliest of product combinations
NICK STEWART
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Nick Stewart and the Big Brush
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INTRODUCTION
My name is Nick Stewart and I create artwork using Quink ink and Domestos bleach. This bizarre process epitomises the ethos of ‘less is more’ and not only demonstrates how much one can achieve using a very limited palette but also emphasises the fact that great outcomes can often come from the most unexpected of sources. It is also a process that is very much serendipity led and the beauty of the final outcomes are often dictated by this. The finished artwork exudes a magical neon vibrancy that most people appear to be naturally drawn to and when told how it is created are often left pleasantly dumbfounded. This document features a diverse range of artwork created purely with Domestos and Quink and nothing else!
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THE MEDIUM
With over 20 years of experimentation, my most successful artworks have been achieved using Quink black and red inks with Domestos bleach. I have tried many other inks and agents but Domestos, and Quink achieve the most visually impactive results Writing inks are different to traditional art inks in that they do not contain a shellac or varnish. They contain a small quantity of solvent that not only cleans a nib as it writes but allows the ink to be more easily absorbed into the paper and dry more efficiently. They also possess another peculiar visual quality which occurs when the fluids come into contact – a brilliant neon gold colour – a weird kind of alchemy. Outside of an art college environment, this medium is almost unheard of. As you can see, it is a very different way of creating art and intrigues all who engage with it. Of Note: My Wordpress and Pinterest pages are audience building by the day as I don’t think there is anything quite like this out there!
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ABOUT THE ARTIST
I completed a BA(Hons) degree in Graphic Design and Illustration at Brighton University, where I was tutored by the renowned calligrapher Miriam Stribley, After graduating I spent many years in London, producing specialist lettering for some of the world's biggest and best known brands at the leading edge visualising studios of Helicopter Grafix, Storyboards Harpers and latterly Three Blind Mice/Jelly London. I continue to take on a diverse range of type projects from fine tweaking existing artwork to the creation of brand identities, types and scripts for publishing, marketing and advertising campaigns. I am also an elected Member of Letter Exchange – an internationally recognised group of skilled lettering professionals based at the Art Workers Guild, Queen Square, London.
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WORKSHOPS AND EVENTS
Where possible I run workshops on behalf of the University of Creative Arts. The students find the Quink ink and Domestos bleach process and the serendipity outcomes achieved both inspirational and motivational. In 2011 I worked with sixth form art students from various schools across North Kent to produce an art show celebrating the 400th year of the King James Bible. The key aim of the project was to inspire the students to produce work that would engage an audience of their own peers. Circa 3,000 people came to see the show at Rochester Cathedral, with positive local, regional and national media coverage. www.facebook.com/pages/KJV400/2562 56614393655 Brush Marks, featuring the Big Brush, was a one day event aimed at taking art into the community. The event was staged at the Maidstone Museum. Using the Quink ink and Domestos bleach process on a huge scale, circa 1,200 people came to see the show and partake in the workshops with positive local and regional media coverage.
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OUTCOMES AND POSSIBILITIES
From hand drawn lettering and illustration to painting and abstract interior art, this medium has a unique creative magic about it. Not only does this process produce beautiful art but even more importantly it inspires and captivates all who engage with it. If there is any way that I can help you with any future visual communication projects – type and illustration treatments or utilising the medium for a campaign or an event, my contact details are below: NICK STEWART 25 Davy Court Rochester Kent ME1 1AE T: +44 (0)1634 880705 M: +44 (0)7956 365155 E: nick@stewart2.com W: www.nickstewartlettering.co.uk W: www.quinkandbleach.wordpress.com For a short film of the process, please visit: www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwKyV5CfHlA Remember – All of the art shown has been created with just the two fluids!
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CONTACT Nick Stewart 25 Davy Court Rochester Kent ME1 1AE United Kingdom T: +44 (0)1634 880705 M: +44 (0)7956 365155 E: nick@stewart2.com www.nickstewartlettering.co.uk www.quinkandbleach.wordpress.com