Meet Guy Chapman: A Self-Taught Artist with a Passion for Imagination
Guy Chapman’s artistic journey is an inspiring tale of dedication, imagination, and a leap of faith.
We sat down with Guy to chat about his background, the inspiration behind his work, and his recent achievement of becoming an Associate Member of the Royal Birmingham Society of Artists (ARBSA).
LSA: Can you tell us a bit about your artistic background, Guy?
Guy Chapman: I’m actually a self-taught artist! Back in the 90s, I worked at a record company, and that’s where I had the fantastic opportunity to create portraits for some well-known musicians. Then, in 2016, I took the plunge and became a full-time artist after a career change due to redundancy.
LSA: That’s a brave move! What inspires your work?
Guy Chapman: My main goal is to spark people’s imaginations. I create visual stories that each viewer can interpret in their own way, like a “story without words” that everyone can personalize. I’m drawn to unconventional and whimsical ideas, fantastical worlds, and the steampunk aesthetic – anything that taps into the limitless potential of our imaginations.
LSA: Are there any specific influences on your art?
Guy Chapman: Absolutely! Authors like C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien have been hugely influential. Their work has been a constant source of inspiration for my own creations.
LSA: It sounds like you’re passionate about nurturing creativity in others as well.
Guy Chapman: That’s right! I actually wrote a book called “Use Your Imaginaria!” to help children unlock their creative potential, and I’m currently working on a sequel.
LSA: Congratulations! On a different note, you recently achieved something quite prestigious, haven’t you?
Guy Chapman: Yes, I’m thrilled to say that in April 2024, I was accepted as an Associate member of the Royal Birmingham Society of Artists (RBSA)! It’s a very well-respected institution founded in 1814, so it’s a huge professional achievement for me. I’m also a member of the Cotswold Craftsmen, a professional crafts guild, and the Leamington Studio Artists (LSA).
