During a vibrant evening at Century Club Soho, acclaimed artist Sophie Derrick sat down with guests to discuss her practice- an inventive fusion of self-painting, photography, and conceptual portraiture in a talk hosted by Stephen Coates, the curator of the Century Club.
The talk explored everything from artistic influences and techniques, to motherhood, colour psychology, and what's next. Below is a selection of highlights from the artist talk.
Q. Your process is so unique- can you explain how your portraits come together?
A. Yes, so I paint directly onto myself- my face and body- and take hundreds of photographs throughout the process, layering more paint as I go. Then I choose a selection of those images, print them as acrylic prints, and paint them over again. It's a multi-layered approach: paint on skin, photograph, print, and paint again. The result becomes kind of a mask- a transformation of myself into "other".
Q: The idea of masking feels spiritual, almost ritualistic. Was that intentional?
A. Definitely. It actually started at uni during a module on masking- we studied African tribal masks, which often require solitude to don and take on a new persona. That ritual really stayed with me. I always paint in solitude, and the act of covering myself in paint feels like becoming something else- like stepping into a different identity.
Q: Do you always wear a hat when you paint?
A. Not when I'm painting on myself, but yes- otherwise, I usually do. I suppose that's kind of a mask too!
Q: The pieces in this exhibition- are they from different series?
A.Yes, each one is a kind of signature piece from different bodies of work I've made over the years. The grid of smaller pieces is from my new Soho Collection, inspired by being here in Soho and the energy of the area. I wanted to tap into that buzzy, vibrant vibe.
Q: What is it about Soho that inspired this latest collection?
A. It's partly the artistic legacy- people like Frank Auerbach and Francis Bacon used to work around here. I've always admired that grit and energy. Auerbach especially has been a major influence.
Q: Speaking of Auerbach- you don't hold back on the paint, do you?
A. Not at all! After uni, I got obsessed with his work. One of my tutors recommended him, and I ended up making a whole piece inspired by him for a show at Leeds Library. I love how one brushstroke can define a whole face. That intensity stayed with me.
Q: Can you tell us more about your colour choices? They seem very deliberate.
A. Sometimes inspiration comes from a magazine, or just colours I see around me. Colour Me Happy, one of the works here, was made right after the first lockdown- I wanted something joyful and bright. I think colour can have a real psychological effect; it's healing.
Q: How long does each piece take?
A. The actual painting on myself takes a few hours, but the whole process- planning, photography, editing, printing, and painting on top- can take a couple of months. The painting over the prints has to be done quite quickly to blend the layers properly.
Q: Are there any other artists who have inspired your work?
Please note: The Century Club is open to Members and Invited Guests Only.
Please Contact Gallery Director Isobel Beauchamp to book in a viewing at your convenience and for collecting enquiries: [email protected]/ 07708 251 687
