Artist talk with
Justin Le Tissier
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'Tethered', 2021
Acrylic on canvas
Tell us about yourself.
My Name Is Justin Le Tissier. I am a contemporary Artist working out of Guernsey in the Channel Islands. I attended the Liverpool Institute for performing Arts where I did a degree in performance design. There, I designed sets for Dance events, theatre productions and curated my own exhibitions. My Full time job after leaving university was as an internal architect. I received nation wide exposure in 2012 by winning British Bathroom designer of the year. I am an honorary member of the ‘Society of British & International Interior Design’ (SBID).
Where did your passion for art begin?
I have been classically trained and mentored by renowned Artist Eric Snell.
Eric Snell showed belief in my work from a young age and mentored me all the way through college, he is an amazing man and Artist. I was so lucky to have someone like him as my teacher. His enthusiasm and direction lit a fire inside me that has been burning even brighter for over 25 years.
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"I like the way the painting was divided into two very different sections- different colors going in different directions yet captured in a harmonious composition."
'Boundaries', 2021
Acrylic on canvas
How would you describe your work to someone?
My paintings are all an expressionist journey which I call “moments on canvas”.
What are you currently working on?
2021 is a big year for me. I have recently quit my career of over 20 years to concentrate on pursuits on my art work and developing property.
To this date I continue to create works either on canvas or conceptual installations. I'm very interested in 3d Braille Art. I'm trying to challenge the boundaries of a painting by producing something that is best understood by touch.
When you start a new work or project, do you plan what you’re going to create or do you improvise?
I sometimes have an idea of what I would like to achieve, however I don’t want to inhibit the spontaneity of the work. I just let things flow and the works find their own path. It's this collaboration and journey that I enjoy, often after the painting is finished I can look back and definitely see how outside factors have contributed to the final outcome.
Can you highlight some of your influences and discuss how your influences have made an impact on you and your practice?
My inspirations stretch far and wide however I would say that specifically Howard Hodgkins, Frank Auerbach, Lowry and Van Gough all have inspired me.
What are your plans for the remainder of this year?
My aim for this year is to try and build an audience, and then try and obtain some residency’s around the world so I can travel and learn more from other cultures and artists.
I need art in my life as it brings me balance and meaning.
"I live opposite the beach and summer is coming here in Guernsey. At the time of painting I didn’t know where or what direction I was going in, however my view over the blue sea and burning sun obviously took charge that day."
'Vazon', 2021
Acrylic on canvas