Congratulations to artist John Hunter, our latest Instagram Winner! John is a mixed media abstract artist currently residing in Gibraltar, "a unique and vibrant territory located at the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula. Gibraltar is known for its rich history, strategic location, and the iconic Rock of Gibraltar, which offers breathtaking views of both the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. Living in Gibraltar provides a blend of British and Mediterranean cultures, creating a distinct lifestyle that I greatly enjoy. The close-knit community and diverse environment here have made it a truly special place to call home.
I explore and combine a variety of materials, techniques, and forms to create dynamic and textured artworks. My approach to art is all about experimentation and pushing the boundaries of traditional mediums. Through abstraction, I aim to evoke a sense of curiosity and invite viewers to engage with my art on a more personal and interpretive level."
Describe the type of art you create.
The art I create is a fusion of texture, colour, and form, grounded in the principles of mixed media and abstraction. My work often reflects an interplay between spontaneity and intentionality, where each piece is a journey that unfolds on the canvas or surface. I draw inspiration from the world around me, channelling emotions, memories, and experiences into visual compositions that challenge the viewer’s perception. My use of varied materials—such as acrylics, resin, and glue —adds a tactile dimension to my art, creating layers that invite closer inspection. The result is a body of work that is both visually striking and emotionally resonant, encouraging a deeper contemplation of the abstract elements within our everyday lives.
Does where you're from or where you currently live influence your work?
Yes, where I live in Gibraltar and the surrounding areas of Spain significantly influence my work. The rich cultural tapestry and stunning landscapes of these regions provide endless inspiration, from the vibrant colours of the Mediterranean coast to the intricate patterns found in local architecture. However, it's not just the physical environment that shapes my art; there's also an internal drive that compels me to explore and create depth within my pieces. This pursuit of depth isn't entirely conscious—I’m drawn to it almost instinctively, as if there’s an underlying narrative or emotion I'm trying to uncover or convey through layers of texture and abstraction. This combination of external influences and internal motivations gives my work a distinctive quality, where the beauty of my surroundings intertwines with a deeper, more enigmatic creative process.
What's your art background? Are you self-taught or did you study art?
My background in art began with formal education during my school years, where I first discovered my passion for creativity. However, my journey as an artist has been largely self-taught. After school, I continued to explore and develop my skills independently, experimenting with different techniques, materials, and styles. This self-directed approach has allowed me to cultivate a unique artistic voice, unbound by traditional rules or limitations. I’ve always been driven by curiosity and a desire to express myself, which has led me to continually push the boundaries of what I can achieve with my art. While my early education laid the foundation, it’s been through my own exploration and practice that I’ve truly evolved as an artist.
Are you a full-time artist or do you create around work hours?
I am currently the director of a group of restaurants in Gibraltar, which means my art has to fit around my demanding work schedule. However, my passion for art has grown to the point where it’s becoming another career in its own right. Despite the challenges of balancing both roles, I find myself often working into the early hours of the morning, driven by a deep commitment to my artistic practice. This late-night creativity allows me to fully immerse myself in my work, transforming the quiet hours into a productive and inspiring time. While my primary profession provides structure and stability, my art is where I find true personal fulfilment and expression, and I’m dedicated to nurturing this growing aspect of my life.
What do you love about the mediums that you use in your work?
What I love about the mediums I use in my work is their ability to offer both fluidity and depth. The paint's fluid nature allows me to experiment with movement and texture, creating dynamic compositions that seem to evolve and shift as I work. This fluidity enables me to build layers that interact in complex ways, adding rich, tactile dimensions to my pieces. The layering process is especially compelling, as it allows me to explore the interplay between colours, materials, and forms, creating a sense of depth that draws viewers in and invites them to discover new details with each glance. This combination of fluidity and layering not only enhances the visual impact of my art but also aligns with my ongoing quest to evoke deeper emotional responses and convey multifaceted narratives.
How did you discover resin?
I discovered resin through a YouTube tutorial, which opened up a whole new dimension for my art practice. Initially, I was captivated by the idea of creating full resin artworks, intrigued by its glossy finish and unique texture. I experimented extensively with it, learning how to manipulate the medium to achieve various effects. Over time, however, my approach evolved. I began incorporating resin more selectively, using it within layers to enhance depth and add a distinctive, dynamic quality to my pieces. This technique allows me to create intriguing contrasts and effects, seamlessly blending resin with other materials to enrich the overall visual impact of my work. The versatility of resin has become an integral part of my artistic toolkit, enabling me to explore new dimensions and push the boundaries of my creative expression.
How has resin impacted your artwork?
Resin has significantly impacted my artwork by introducing a captivating element of partial reflectiveness. This quality allows my pieces to interact dynamically with their environment; the reflectiveness shifts depending on natural daylight or artificial lighting, creating a constantly evolving visual experience. As light moves across the surface of the resin, it highlights different aspects of the artwork, revealing hidden depths and nuances that might otherwise go unnoticed. This interplay between light and resin not only adds a layer of intrigue but also enhances the texture and dimensionality of my work, making each viewing experience unique. The resin's reflective properties thus contribute to a more immersive and engaging encounter with my art, as it continually transforms with changing light conditions.
Can you provide a brief rundown of your process?
My creative process is both methodical and intuitive, starting with a foundation of hot glue. I use the glue to create initial textures and forms on the canvas, adding a tactile element that will influence the layers that follow. Next, I apply acrylic paint to build the base image, laying down colours and shapes that establish the groundwork for the composition. As the piece evolves, I introduce resin in a random, yet deliberate manner, allowing it to interact with the paint and create intriguing effects. This layering process is iterative; I continue to add layers of acrylic paint and resin, adjusting as needed to achieve the desired look. Each layer brings new textures and depths, and the process continues until I’m satisfied with the visual and emotional impact of the piece. Throughout, inspiration often comes from my surroundings and emotional responses, and I maintain a flexible approach to allow the work to develop organically. This method enables me to explore different dimensions and effects, resulting in a rich and multidimensional final piece.
Why do you want to make art? What motivates you to create?
Creating art serves as a profound release for me, functioning much like a form of meditation. It provides a sanctuary where I can quiet the noise of daily life and centre my thoughts. When my mind is calm and focused, I find that my creativity flows more freely and intuitively. This tranquil state of mind allows me to explore and express complex emotions and ideas that might otherwise remain unarticulated. The process of making art helps me achieve a deeper connection with myself and my surroundings, transforming my inner experiences into tangible, visual forms. The ability to channel this inner calm into creative expression is what truly motivates me and makes art an essential part of my life.
Does art help you in other areas of your life?
Yes, art profoundly impacts other areas of my life, providing significant benefits beyond the creative process itself. Engaging in art helps me relax and decompress, offering a much-needed escape from everyday stresses. The meditative quality of creating art fosters mental clarity and emotional balance, which can positively influence my overall well-being. Additionally, the joy and satisfaction I derive from making art contribute to a heightened sense of happiness and fulfilment. This positive emotional state often carries over into other aspects of my life, enhancing my interactions and outlook. Overall, art serves as a valuable tool for maintaining relaxation, mindfulness, and happiness, enriching my daily experiences and personal growth.
What do you hope someone sees or feels when they look at your art?
When someone looks at my art, I hope they experience a sense of joy and emotion that resonates with them personally. I aim for each piece to evoke feelings and stir emotions that reflect my own artistic journey, yet also invite viewers to connect with it on their own terms. I want them to see their own stories and interpretations within the layers and textures, finding meaning that is unique to their perspective. By creating a visual space that encourages personal reflection and emotional engagement, I hope my art becomes a mirror through which viewers can explore their own experiences and find a deeper connection to the artwork.
How do you define success as an artist? What does that look and feel like for you?
For me, success as an artist is defined by the genuine connection and appreciation my work garners from others. Recently, selling two paintings within six weeks of exhibiting was a significant milestone that made me feel both successful and validated. It’s deeply gratifying to know that clients not only recognize the value of my work but also find meaning and beauty in it. This positive response affirms that my creativity resonates with others, and it fuels my passion to continue exploring and evolving as an artist. The joy of seeing my art appreciated and celebrated by others is a powerful indicator of success, highlighting the impact and relevance of my creative efforts.
What's your favourite resin tip you'd like to share with our readers?
One of my favourite resin tips to share is to pay careful attention to the mixing process. Properly mixing resin is crucial, as incorrect proportions or inadequate blending can lead to problems such as incomplete curing or surface imperfections, potentially compromising your artwork. To ensure the best results, make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions precisely, and mix thoroughly but gently to avoid introducing air bubbles. Taking the time to get this step right will help you achieve a smooth, durable finish and maintain the integrity of your creative vision.
Where do you sell your work?
I sell my work through a combination of platforms and events. Primarily, you can find my pieces on my website, www.Venandi-art.com, where I showcase a selection of my artwork for direct purchase. Additionally, I participate in exhibitions, which provide a wonderful opportunity to connect with art enthusiasts and collectors in person. These exhibitions allow me to present my work in a dynamic setting and engage with potential buyers, offering a more tangible experience of my art. This dual approach helps me reach a broader audience and create meaningful connections with those who appreciate and support my creative endeavours.
Congratulations on your win, John!
Every month, to celebrate our community of artists, ArtResin will send out a 32 oz kit to two lucky people who have tagged us on Instagram, showing the work they've created with ArtResin.
ArtResin: The Original Epoxy For Resin Art
