Paul Farrell

Jun 23

The Stuff he loves

Paul Farrell is a graphic artist based in his home city, Bristol.

After studying in Bristol and London he became a graphic designer in the capital for 25 years before becoming freelance in 2009; since then he has worked as a brand designer, illustrator, print maker, lecturer and author.

What’s the best place that you’ve visited and what did you love about it?

Angle village, Pembrokeshire. Our family have been holidaying there for the past 40 years and it’s in my blood. It’s a place that never changes, a happy place, a friendly welding place at the end of the land where the best sunsets end each day and nature is in total control.

If a push comes to a shove, what’s your favourite album of all time?

Kate Bush, The Kick Inside. In fact, it’s so favourite I can’t bring myself to play it. It haunts me in a good way.

And your favourite book?

‘Where the Wild Things Are’ which is illustrated by one of my favourite illustrators, Maurice Sendak. Sometimes I want to be Max and disappear to new lands with new adventures. My dreams are vivid so they could take me there.

Oh, and what work of art do you love above all others?

The Snail by Henri Matisse. Created in 1953, I marvel at its simplicity and its confidence, colour work and boldness.

Do you believe in a god?

No!

Do you have a route that you walk or run that’s particularly special to you?

I did during the first lockdown. It was a handsome big horse chestnut tree and the magical thing was that I was able to run to it during spring and because I ran to it often I witnessed pretty much all of its stages of new growth. I tend to adopt end points, usually in the countryside, that I strive to reach each time, these are my happy comfortable spots where I can think and all is okay.

What’s your guiltiest pleasure (or at least the guiltiest pleasure that you’re prepared to tell us about)?

The pleasure that I’m prepared to tell you about is one large bar of white chocolate to myself. Dull, I know.

What possession, more than any other, means the most to you?

It would have to be a collection, and that is one made up of my daughter’s wonderful pieces of art. I find it difficult to throw any of it away. They are in a bulging folder and I will have a show one day and I will toast her.