A Moment with Caroline Popham

Take us through your beginning process- how do you go about starting a painting? 

It depends. For a commission there is more planning involved so the outcome is clearer. Other work is more intuitive and some days I don’t know where the work will take me. I use sketchbooks a lot play around with ideas. 

What are some of your favorite pieces you have created so far?

I have a fondness for many. They are markers in time. Some are autobiographical and the memory of making them feels very evocative. I like the larger scale pieces a lot, the diptych and triptych as they feel expansive. 

How would you describe your style?

A bit scattered! I love minimalism but then I am drawn to more layered work as well. Colour is definitely key. 

What do you hope a viewer gets out of seeing what you create.

I guess a visual pleasure, a meaning which the viewer can take from it. It is interesting to hear different peoples interpretations of my work. Calm is a recurring word which makes me smile as my working style is quite frenetic 

Where do you see yourself in 5 years from now?

To be painting, to be happy with what I paint. To be moving forward.