Brighton based artist Craig Shuttlewood experiments with surfaces and layers to create colourful paintings overlaid with quirky illustrations. Craig is inspired by everyday objects and his lively imagination. Here Craig tells about his work, favourite artists and future plans…

Did you always know you wanted to be an artist?
I believe so. I was never going to be a rocket scientist but loved to draw and think in pictures. From art college I went on to the Kent Institute of Art and Design to complete a fine art and illustration degree during which I had sold work and been signed by an illustration agent.

How would you describe your work?
My work is like a visual diary, so it’s a piece of me without being personal or private.
My work is made first by painting an abstract base and thinking about colour. The next stage is adding collected material such as wallpaper, maps and anything that I find interesting. Finally I add illustrative elements on top. There is usually lots going on and I try to make each piece light hearted and approachable. You will see buildings of all shapes and sizes, lollypop trees, a girl with a cat dress (who may or may not be flying a kite), owls in a tree, flying saucers, cup cakes, ice creams and more.

Who is your favourite artist?
While I was at college I would have answered with Robert Rauschenberg, Jasper Johns, Paul Klee and David Hockney to name a few. Here in Brighton there is plenty of talent but one of my favourite artists is Roger Cecil from Wales.

Your earlier works were more abstract and have gradually become more figurative – was this a conscious change?
Earlier works were certainly more abstract, at times purely abstract. I was interested in neglected walls, rusted surfaces and what lurks behind wallpaper hung years previously. However, this meant original artwork was ‘darker’ and by nature had a negativity about it that was less approachable.

I still like to focus on surface and layers but my work now has much more colour and a positive feel that attracts a wider audience.

What does 2012 hold in store for Craig Shuttlewood?
I will be exhibiting in London at 20/21 at The Royal College of Art in February and at The Affordable Art Fair in March. In addition, for the first time we are taking part in Artist Open Houses at home in Brighton throughout May which is both hard work and exciting! We have a great range of artists involved working in ceramics, jewellery, original paintings, screen prints, knitted creatures and textiles.

Also, I am working on several children’s books (I won’t give anything away) and new limited edition screen prints after the success of ‘Angels & other flying things’ and ‘Six lost owls’.

Find Craig Shuttlewood’s full collection on CultureLabel here.