By Ross McKinnon
STAR TREK legend Patrick Stewart has declared the work of a Glasgow School of Art reject to be "out of this world".
Frank To, 24, has sold three canvases to the actor best known as Captain Picard in the TV series.
The self- employed artist works in Wasp studio in Dennistoun and graduated from Huddersfield University with a BA honours in painting and drawing before completing his MA in fine art at Dundee's Duncan of Jordanstone College last year,
Frank said: "I met Patrick after my degree show in Huddersfield and was slightly hungover at the time as I had been celebrating.
"When he came in I sobered up pretty quickly. He's a fan of art and liked what he saw of my paintings.
"Our relationship took off from there and last year he bought my work for his own collection."
Now the young painter is enjoying an exhibition in the West End alongside famous Glasgow artist Peter Howson.
Frank admitted his success has pleasantly surprised him.
He said: "I'm working non- stop at the moment and have had several exhibitions in London which have sold out. It's a great honour to have my paintings shown next to Peter Howson, who I admire.
My art is also very dark and has an unusual approach. It begins as abstract, with no formal structure, before I use a more specific technique to tweak the figure out of the painting."
Frank may be making waves in the art scene but he knows how to keep his feet on the ground- by working in his family's Chinese restaurant, Mearns Wok.
He said: "I help out occasionally when they are understaffed. I can't say no -I'd feel guilty. Besides, it teaches me to be humble.
"I don't think it would be a good idea to hang up any of the paintings in the restaurant- it might put people off their food."
Frank's work can be seen at Mansfield Park Gallery, Hyndland Street, until November 18 in the show, Figuratively Speaking.
Jim Birrel, who is responsible for undergraduate admissions at Glasgow School of Art, said: "Obviously, we don't have a monopoly on graduates. We are happy to see any artist doing so well. I wish him all the best."
For more information, please visit the official website of Frank To Fine Art
No comments:
Post a Comment