Artist Interview: Linda Chapman

Tell us a bit about yoursef

I am an abstract photographic artist based in London. I worked in commercial photography for some
years, then realising I had to get back into art and open up my mind again.
Since the beginning I was fascinated by light, so began by combining this with my love of abstract. My
artworks are a visual representation of how my mind naturally interprets things I see into complex stories,
full of colour and abstract hidden detail.
Urban windows, such fascinating frames, suggesting so much but never telling the whole truth, the chance
to abandon that sense of urban reality and make me question what I can really see.

What was the first painting you created? Did you think it would be a one-off?

After sometime experimenting with natural urban light and reflections, I printed an image that I knew
was speaking my language. It is a window frame saying so much about the outside and the inside, taken in
Kings Cross London, titled ‘Outside In’. Interestingly, after 4 years , it is still the favourite of my clients.

Is there a piece in particular that you really love?

The piece I really love is ‘Outside In’ for many reasons! It is the first one that I perfected in what I was
trying to do and it sums up an urban street perfectly, filled with so many details.

How has art transformed your life?

As a rather isolated only child I had to find a way to escape this. So creating my “fantasy land” meant
I could go there anytime and imagine! I did this in many ways with painting, drawing, taking pictures and
making things. Now I just have to keep creating.

Which other artists inspire you?

I love many kinds of art but some of my favourites that I find inspiration from are the beautiful
meaningful shapes of Barbara Hepworths sculptures, the deeply personal work of Frida Kahlo, the
freedom and colours of Howard Hodgkin, the perfect styling of Horst P Horst and the man that started my
whole photographic journey Henri Cartier-Bresson.

 What are your plans for the future? Anything exciting?

Aside from many exhibitions and some Art Fairs, I will be spending sometime working on a new
photographic project and also my dioramas! Yes I make things too! Small miniature scenes, sometimes in
a box, sometimes in something completely different that I am up-cycling. My next plan is for a top hat
and a cage!