Surrey Homes | SH101 | June 2023 | Education Supplement inside

His & Hers
We get to know husband and wife abstract artists, Russell Hatton and Kirsty Mackay
Golden Andalusite by Russell Hatton (150cm)
£6,000 at The Art Gallery theartagency.co.uk
Compulsion by Kirsty Mackay (90x90cm)
£995 at The Art Gallery theartagency.co.uk
What fuels your creativity? A desire to leave behind a body
of work that is tangible and has integrity, with the use of
innovative paint and materials.
What or who are your greatest influences? I admire the work
of architects and sculptors, particularly the work of Frank
Gehry and Richard Serra. Although my paintings are on an
aluminium flat surface, I try to achieve a 3D plane allowing
the viewer to delve far within the painting.
Where do you create your pieces? In my studio surrounded by
my equipment, paints, materials and music. Music is the
most influential part of my work which helps to contribute
to the creative process.
Can you describe a typical day in your life as an artist? A day
in my working life can be extremely busy, but the most
satisfying days are the ones which allow me to solely practice
my art – to experiment, practice and create a piece which has
the integrity and beauty I am hoping to achieve.
How do people react to your work? I receive an extremely
positive reaction to my work; there is a fascination with
my process and the multi-layering of my paintings. I
have clients all over the world, and when not in my
studio I can often be found delivering and hanging
work for the most interesting of people.
Where do you exhibit? I have exhibited within galleries in
England, Ireland, Scotland and France, and also exhibit at art
fairs around Europe and America.
What fuels your creativity? A need to lose myself within my
work, to take myself to a place where through my practice I
can completely exist within my art.
What or who are your greatest influences? My mother – she
taught me from a very early age to look at and engage with
Art. As a teacher and a painter herself, she knew I had to
find myself with the world of creativity. I admire the work of
Eva Hesse whose work evokes emotion through materiality.
The process of making fascinates me and, although I paint, I
do refer to myself as a maker.
Where do you create your pieces? Within my studio, away from
the busy world – a place I can control and reflect.
Can you describe a typical day in your life as an artist? The
most interesting aspect of my work is the many facets
involved – from working within the art world, from the
experience of painting to visiting galleries or working at art
fairs, each day can bring a completely new experience.
How do people react to your work? Due to my working in the
field of abstract painting and its relationship to the world,
clients often look deep within my paintings to connect with
the pattern, imagery and colour. I often say a painting has to
relate and talk to you, which is one of life’s pleasures. As each
artist produces something from within themselves, the viewer
will extract that which directly resonates with them.
Where do you exhibit? At galleries and fairs around the UK,
and I’m also hoping to exhibit within Europe shortly.
To see more of Kirsty Mackay and Russell Hatton’s art and purchase a piece for yourself, visit theartagency.co.uk
istockphoto.com/ Milovan Kitanovic & Carabus
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