Meet Wilson | Painter and printmaker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Wilson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Wilson, what do you think makes you most happy? Why?
The act of creating-drawing,painting printmaking writing anything creative. I live in a sketchbook, always working on at least 3 different sizes at once, obsessively researching, and piece together my thoughts onto paper.i love making my work. Every work is a record of t a thought a kind of visual footprint I’ve left behind. What I make to some may just be another cowboy or whatever but, the images say I was here, I read about this, I felt this, and that’s what drives me makes me truly happy. Making something honest. Something worth leaving behind

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My work is all about American west. I paint cowboys because I’m so drawn to that they represent. Independence,honesty, hard work, freedom. Living in a world that feels increasingly boxed in and disconnected I’m interested in characters and themes that oppose that, men that live by their own code, survive through grit and courage. That’s what I try feed into everything I make.

What sets me apart? Well I guess it’s how I’ve come to learn and love the world I paint. I’m not a Texan or from a ranching family but just a fella brummy fella from the uk. I didn’t grow up around cowboys but discovered them through dusty old books and classic movies and from the second I read the first page of ‘hondo’ (Lois L’amore’ I was hooked. I’ve been ferociously reading and researching everything I can get my hands on. I’ve built a massive visual library in my head from years of studying clothing,stance, weapons horses and character. Everyday I’m looking for the next detail and that obsession goes strait into the work.

The biggest lesson I’ve learnt?
I guess that’s to keep showing up. No one will believe in your work the way you do. And if you wait for someone too they ain’t gunna come so you gotta make it happen.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
For me its about that cowboy experience
First thing id have to sort was getting a proper hat fitted and shaped.
Then probably check out the pioneer plaza cattle drive sculptures
One day would have be in Fort Worth (technically not Dallas but close enough) visit the john Wayne exhibition, the rodeo maybe get some luccheses
Every gallery I can fit in would have to go on the itinerary. Finally find some live music.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
A fella named Bach signh taught me the art of printmaking but also completely reshaped the way I think about making work. He didn’t just teach technique he taught me the discipline and respect for the processes especially etching. That printmaking wasn’t just about reproduction but also precision and trusting your marks. He really helped me develop into the artist I am today always pushing me to push it further.

Website: https://wilsonvenables.com/

Instagram: Wilson.venables