rik pitman.co.uk

I started my artistic journey at 14 working along side a number of semi-professional photographers, gaining technical & practical experience in both capturing images and the printing process.
I moved to West Cornwall in the early 1980’s where I ran a small studio gallery and produced a series of work based on the landscape.
I returned to my career as an engineer but continued to explore photography and sculpture; I renewed a strong interest in photography in 2004 and produced a body of work relating to Images of Dartmoor, taking part in the 9 Days of Art 2006 (open studios event).
Although I had produced 3D work over a number of years I had no particular direction or influence, again in 2004 I had a renewed interest in the arts and started training with Ama Mennoc who introduced me to a range of ceramic processes. I produced a body of work relating to the ‘Japanese Tea ceremony’ as well as a number of sculptural items, this period of study also included exploring Raku firing techniques.
I started my formal studies of fine art when I joined Exeter University in 2006 as part of the BA (Hons) Fine Art degree programme.
Over a number of years I had produced many pieces of work, I find I am usually able to make most of the pieces without to many technical issues, I believe this is mainly due to my engineering training and practical experience.
However it was not until my first year of these studies that I started to look at the production of art in a very different way, although I consider that I had produced some very good pieces in the past I had never really considered anything other than the making of the items.
Now I try to process my ideas and to relate the end results to an original concept and hopefully produce something with purpose and meaning.
I currently divide my life between Spain and Devon, where I reap inspiration for my work from the landscape and strong sense of tradition and family values.
I am particularly inspired by the rich colours infused by the burning sun of Spain and the organic textures of the living art of nature.
I hope to evolve my future work within the organic theme of natural textures both in 2/3 D art, continuing to explore beyond how I see and express my thoughts and feelings within the ever changing culture of British society.
I look to question and challenge some of these changes!

Rik Pitman

Links to : www.seventeen08.co.uk