One Day : Alex Chilvers - Artist
Location : London, UK
Profession / passion : Artist
Website : alexchilvers.co.uk
Instagram : @alexjchilvers
One Day is an ongoing project sparked by the Covid-19. In the days of isolation we would like to focus on what we do best; bringing people together. Read more about the project here.
We will be posting one new day of someones life every day until we run out of contributors. See our instagram stories to experience these peoples One Day in action.
A text, song or film that everyone should experience :
‘Trees Lounge’, a film by Steve Buscemi
What is the story behind your profession/ passion?
I’ve always wanted to draw from a very young age. I found it very comforting then and still do now. I studied illustration at Middlesex and then went on to do the Drawing Year at the Royal Drawing school which really opened me up to different ways of seeing. The school introduced me to drawing from the masters in the National Gallery and Indian miniatures at the V&A Museum. This really helped me to understand composition and the attraction of patterns. I like to take what I’ve learned to explore nostalgic memories of my childhood’s love of dinosaurs with my current interests in the form of paintings and moving image.
How do you want people to react to your work / passion?
I want people to find the humour in my work and have an understanding of how I got to that point in a way which they can also relate to.
How has the current situation affected how you work?
The current situation hasn’t really affected how I work. I’m still able to produce work I just have a slightly smaller space to do it in. I’ve tried to create work from my experience of being in isolation and how I’ve seen others respond to the restrictions of the pandemic. I’ve been painting more complex imagery with a lot of repetitive patterns which has helped pass the time and taken my mind away from current worries.
What is the most inspiring text you read recently?
I recently read ‘Educated’ a memoir by Tara Westover which is a very inspiring story of how an individual was able to work their way out of a very restrictive and harmful life.
Quality or quantity?
Quality over quantity but I like to aim for a good quantity of quality.
When was the last time you learned something new and what was it?
I made a vegan coffee and walnut cake for the first time the other day with a cashew and treacle icing. I also added a banana to the mix which I thought was an excellent compliment. I’ve been doing a lot more baking and cooking as I’ve been spending more time at home and have enjoyed trying out new recipes and getting that sense of accomplishment when a cake turns out alright.
Your best trait?
Pass and move.
Who do you miss?
I miss seeing my friends and family although zoom and Face Time has enabled me to keep in touch with loved ones and also reach out to people I’ve not been in contact with for a while. I’ve always been quite content on my own but physically being unable to share experiences like having a beer with friends and playing football on a Saturday morning is something I really miss.
If you were forced to sit still for one month straight without pursuing your current profession, how would you spend your time?
I’d like to say that I’d spend it learning more about history or learning a new language but I would probably just spend it watching Netflix.
Have you actively chosen to live in the city/town you live in?
Yes, I decided to move from my hometown of Grimsby to London when I went to university and have been in London ever since. I like the buzz of being in a big city and it offers so much in terms of culture and experiences which helps to spark the creative process.
How do you relax?
I do a lot of exercise which I think helps me to relax. I’ve been doing a lot of running and yoga over the past few weeks as I’ve been unable to swim or play football. I also like to read but mainly watch Netflix.
Lastly, how do wish to see this current situation have a positive impact on our lives?
I hope that the pace of life slows down a little and people think more about the consequences of their actions. The deprivation of social contact is something that I thought would never be taken away from people so I think that people will appreciate physically being around friends and family a lot more and have more consideration for other people’s personal space.
