Davroe had the pleasure of sitting down with the multi-talented Artist Anthony Adams.
Anthony Adams is a Celebrity Makeup Artist/Artist, who has worked on celebrities such as Barbara Eden, Deni Hines, Christine Anu, Esther Anderson, Kimbra along with many others. His work has been seen in magazines, billboards, music videos even the Davroe hair campaign! He moved to Adelaide from Sydney five years ago and this is when he started his art career.
Anthony’s art work has now been shown on buildings in Times Square in NYC and has also been shown in the ‘Secret Art of Life’ Exhibition as well as the ‘ Kensington Kollection’ and ‘ Unity’ Exhibition as part of the SALA festival at the Kensington and Arkaba Hotels. They are also now owned by people across Australia and overseas.
What would you call your style of art?
My art style is collage with a touch of pop. I love bold pieces. Collage allows me to create not only a striking image but also to put my thoughts and opinions across.
Why do you love this particular style?
It gives me the chance to either make a really bold statement, which I do in some (which can be controversial), while others have a softer more subtle message.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
From everywhere, the beauty of life and also the darkness. I also sometimes focus on political happenings at the time. Especially when I feel strongly about it.
How would you describe your artwork to someone who has never seen it?
I would say they are bold, striking, thought provoking and textured. I do believe seeing them in real life compared to a photograph, is always better.
What do you as an artist stand for?
I stand for offering the viewer something they may not have seen before. To hope they stand for a little longer looking into my piece for the hidden messages and background. I want people to ‘think’ when they see my work.
What does your artwork say about the world we live in?
It says that even though we sometimes live in a very dark, violent and hateful world, there is still beauty to see. We also have to stand up for what we believe in more. At this time on the planet we need to stop meandering through life and be passionate about it.
If your pieces could talk, what would they say?
They would say “Look at me”, “Listen to me” (sounds like a therapy session in there) they would also say love yourself, be strong be fearless, and we need to stand up for the good in the planet.
When did you produce your first piece?
I have always drawn and painted since I was young, though the one i recall the most was a piece based on my favourite city New York City. I actually entered it into a competition, where it was chosen from around 150 artists from around the globe. For one night our art work took over Times Square, where it was projected up on the buildings for the night.
How long does it take to produce a piece?
It depends, most of the time i know exactly how I would like them to look, sometimes they are exact other times not. But if I have a really clear idea then around 5 days. Others can take weeks, due to finding the right images and items to add to it. Also the cutting out of everything takes hours and hours, but I also quite like doing it.
What tools and materials do you use?
I use lots of cutting knives, scissors, glue, magazines, newspapers, printed materials, then acrylic paint, ink, and anything else i can get my hands on really. One piece which is of a ballerina actually has a real Tulle tutu.
Who is your favourite artist?
I love many; though Andy Warhol really spoke to me as a kid I was obsessed with him.
You are a makeup artist and very good one at that as well as a writer and photographer, do you think the time will come that you give all that up to concentrate wholly on producing art?
I have been thinking a lot about that of late, as my art is really taking off. I love all that I do, I think I will always have my fingers in all pies; just some will be for more special occasions. I love that everything I do is creative; it is what I dreamed of as a child.
BTS on our recent Davroe campaign – gorgeous images to come, stay tuned
Where would you love to see one of your pieces hanging?
I would love to see them anywhere they are loved. I think I could name a tonne of places, all in all, I really like that people love my work personally. They are like my babies so it is always great seeing them go to a good home.
Do you have a favourite piece?
Yes and I have sold both! One was a huge American flag where the stars were falling off the flag. It was controversial though subtle. I just loved the colours and boldness of it. I also did a great Madonna one based on a picture from her ‘Sex’ book. It is just really a history of her life and career, but the finished product itself I adored.
Can people commission you to produce a piece for them?
They sure can I am currently working on some at the moment. I especially love doing them as the person also has their input on the piece which makes it easier for me with direction. I also love that they entrust me to just create something.
You can see more of Anthony’s work at the Kensington Hotel for The Kensi Kollaboration, showing from August 1st to 31st as part of the Sala Festival, or contact him via the links below for enquiries.
https://www.facebook.com/AnthonyAdamsArtist/
https://www.saatchiart.com/antadamsart
https://bluethumb.com.au/user/artworks
https://www.instagram.com/antadamsart/
Anthony Adams
Email : antinoz@me.com
