REGIONAL NEWS by Drazen Jorgic, Citywire 25th November 2010

by Drazen Jorgic

Around 70 Adam and Co clients spent an evening in London networking and viewing a series of exhibitions about bottle art, bespoke furniture and painting. Jeremy Vaughan, associate directors of Adam and Co, said the client event at its offices gave the wealth management firm an opportunity to better understand the needs and goals of its clients and solidify manager-client relations. As well as networking with Adam and Co's managers, Bottle Top- an environmental craft charity that aims to alleviate poverty- spoke to Adam and Co investors about its unusual work. Meanwhile Glaswegian figurative painter Frank To (pictured) was also on hand to discuss his work, along with furniture designer Tim Gosling.

FRANK PUTS ART IN SHOP WINDOW By Caroline Wilson, The Evening Times 15th June 2010

By Caroline Wilson

A Glasgow-based artist hopes his unusual city centre exhibition will encourage people to invest in fine art.

Frank To, whose fans include Star Trek star Sir Patrick Stewart, is showing his latest works across the windows of a vacant shop as part of a major Glasgow City Council regeneration project.

The installation, on a three-storey building in St Vincent Street, is part of the £300,000 Style Mile initiative, which aims to help the city beat off competition from out-of-town shopping centres, attract tourists and fight the recession.

To's unique painting technique is earning him international recognition among art critics and high-profile collectors as a leading contemporary figurative painter.

The Falkirk-born painter hopes the shop project, which was backed by Braewell Galleries, will open up fine art to a wider audience and encourage more of the public to see art as a good investment.

He said: "Artists and galleries in Scotland are suffering due to people not buying art. It's not that people can't afford to. It's just that a majority are afraid to do so.

"As well as inspiring the general public with this kind of project, I'm hoping it will also encourage them to go to art galleries to view the actual work.

"With many investors reluctant to put their hard-earned savings into stocks and shares at present, fine art offers an attractive alternative asset. Depending on the artist, the value of art rarely falls over the medium to long term."

Born in 1982, To has exhibited alongside some of the greats of the international contemporary art scene, such as Tracey Emin and Damien Hirst.

His work has featured in several national art fairs and shows in Glasgow, London, Bath and Dundee and in various episodes of the STV detective drama Rebus.

For more information, please visit the official website of Frank To Fine Artist.

CITY ART By Ruth Walker, Spectrum Magazine, Scotland on Sunday, 13th June 2010

STREET ART

By Ruth Walker

NO- ONE likes to see empty shop units covered with flyers and graffiti. Which is why Glasgow City Council have commissioned a group of artists to decorate them instead. Artists featured in the past have included Peter Howson and Laetitia Guibaud, and this week Frank To will be joining the illustrious list. His distinctive work- collected by Star Trek legend and newly knighted Patrick Stewart- will be transferred on to large vinyl panels and fitted to the windows of 73 St Vincent Street. It's all part of the Glasgow Style Mile Regeneration project, collaboration between the council and Braewell Galleries. The properties are donated by the owners, which means the only cost is for the vinyl. To says: "Artists and galleries in Scotland are suffering due to people not buying art. It's not that people can't afford to. It's just that a majority are afraid to do so. As well as inspiring the general public with this kind of project, I'm hoping it will also encourage them to go to art galleries to view the actual work."

For more information, please visit the official website of Frank To Fine Artist.

RECESSION- HIT SHOP GIVE EXHIBITON SPACE TO CITY'S ARTICTIC TALLENTS By Mark Smith, The Scotsman 3rd June 2010

RECESSION- HIT SHOP GIVE EXHIBITON SPACE TO CITY'S ARTICTIC TALLENTS

By Mark Smith

THE blight of empty shops, with their soaped up windows and prominent To Let signs, has become a grim reminder of the recession in every city centre.

But now Scotland's biggest city has turned the growing number of empty shop fronts into an opportunity to promote talented young artists.

Glasgow is being transformed into an "open air art gallery" with vacant shop windows displaying artworks by up-and-coming painters alongside established figures such as Peter Howson.

The idea, inspired by artist Tracy Emin's takeover of a vacant shop during the early Nineties recession, is intended to cement the city's reputation as a hotbed of cultural activity.

Organisers also hope it will reduce the visual impact of the recession, encouraging shoppers to keep spending in those shops that survive the downturn.

One of the artists taking part, Frank To, will be displaying three pictures in an empty shop front in Glasgow's St Vincent Street, previously a food outlet.

Mr To, of Chinese origin but raised in Glasgow, said: "Every artist knows how difficult it can be to get work exhibited. Getting your stuff out there and seen is vital, it's the reason we do what we do.

"So having all these empty shops just sitting their doing nothing is frustrating for us. It's great to see something happening that allows us to use this empty space.

"Of course, if it can help improve the look and feel of the city, and encourage people to shop. It's quite depressing looking at rows and rows of empty shops. Hopefully we can brighten the city up a bit."

Jane Harrison, Glasgow's City Centre Initiatives Manager, said: "Vacant shop units are a magnet for fly posting and graffiti artists and this imaginative project keeps these empty units in the city centre looking presentable while prospective tenants are sought. It also allows dramatic artworks by Glasgow artists to be enjoyed by shoppers and visitors."

For more information, please visit the official website of Frank To Fine Artist.

NEWTON MEARNS ARTIST WILL SHINE AT GLASGOW ART FAIR BY KAYLEIGH MCLEOD By Kayleigh McLeod, EASTWOOD TODAY March 25th 2010

EAST Renfrewshire's art protégé Frank To will showcase his latest work at the internationally acclaimed Glasgow Art Fair.

The thought- provoking pieces of the Newton Mearns based artist will be available to buy at this weekend's exhibition.

Frank's most recent paintings depict psychoanalysis of professional football players.

The show, now in its 15th year, begins today (March 25) and will run until Sunday, March 28 at George Square.

The all day art fair is open from 10:30am until 6:30pm each day and until 8pm tonight.

The Glasgow Art Fair presents over 50 selected galleries and arts organisations from across Scotland, the UK and overseas to offer visitors a wide range of contemporary art, available to buy under one roof.

Marketed as the place to buy, sell and view art outside of London, the weekend fair is not to be missed.

To purchase tickets visit www.glasgowartfair.com where you can obtain a four day unlimited access ticket for just £12.

Tickets can also be purchased on the door £7/£5 and children under the age of ten go free.

For more information, please visit the official website of Frank To Fine Artist.

WELCOME TO MY WORLD by Ruth Walker, SCOTLAND ON SUNDAY March 21st 2010

Interview by Ruth Walker

Photograph by Robert Perry

YOUNG Scottish figurative artist Frank To has exhibited alongside the likes of Damien Hirst and Peter Howson, and has a number of high-profile collectors, including Star Trek legend Patrick Stewart.

He will be taking part in Glasgow Art Fair Thursday to next Sunday, with a series of work based on the psychoanalysis of football culture. To find out more, see www.franktofineart.com.

Describe your perfect weekend

Playing poker with some friends - I like being manipulative and devious. Or maybe a saki night, but not the two together: when I'm playing poker I'm in to win.

What would you do if you ruled the world?

Install some kind of grant system for graduates of art and design courses because I don't think there's enough support for them out there to make it out on their own; they're just left to their own devices and I know how difficult it can be.

What one thing would improve your life?

If I took care of myself a bit better, because I have a habit of working myself into the ground. Sometimes I feel ill because of it, and my caffeine levels are sky-high. Recently I worked three days straight.

Who did you last receive a text from and what did it say?

I just received a text from my best friend Tony O'Reilly saying: "Arrogance has to be earned, what have you done to earn yours, Frank?" I think it was because in our last poker game I was quite arrogant.

What's your guiltiest pleasure?

Alcoholic ice-cream. The first time I tried it was in the States and it was absolutely delicious - but it was only when I started to feel a bit happy that I realised there was Scotch in it.

When did you last feel sorry for yourself?

When I crashed my car. It was very icy, and I drove into a bollard, then a red Rover crashed into me.

What do you wish you'd never done?

Accidentally destroyed a rival's work at art school. The caretakers were clearing up and everyone had their work for the degree show in there. I used to come in quite smart-looking anyway, and I looked like a lecturer that day - the caretaker asked if I was in charge so I jokingly said yes. Then they asked if I wanted all the rubbish cleared out of the corridor, so I said, "Yes, go ahead." I didn't realise my rival's paintings were drying out there. He hasn't found out so far...

Would your mother be proud of you?

Yes, but she worries that I work too hard. She thinks I make myself quite ill.

Who would you like to say sorry to?

My ex-girlfriend. She didn't always see the best side of me and it's only recently that I've realised she was trying to make me a better person.

Who does the cleaning in your house?

That would be me - I'm an absolute clean freak.

What's the most you've ever spent on a purchase, apart from a car or property?

Probably my first trip to New York on my own. I was going to make contacts back in 2007, but it was money well spent because that's when I met my New York art dealer, who now has my work hung beside a Picasso and a Warhol.

What is your earliest memory?

My mum drawing Mickey Mouse on a chalk board back in the 1980s. I must have been about two or three. I think it was that which probably made me want to become an artist.

What song is the theme tune to your life?

Seven Nation Army by the White Stripes.

Who would play you in the movie of your life?

Edward Norton, because he has that geeky look, but he can also portray the tough guy.

Should you vote? If yes, how did you vote?

I voted for the SNP because they abolished the parking fees in hospitals. I had to drive my brother to hospital when he was dying of cancer and there were times I was cracking up about it.

What worries you in the wee small hours?

My next deadline.

When were you last naked in front of another person?

That would be my ex.

Who was your favourite teacher and why?

Simon Burton - my lecturer in Yorkshire. He saw me as someone who had potential, and encouraged me to be what I am today, which is an emotional painter.

Who is your fantasy date?

It would be someone who can outwit me, but also someone who can understand my persona. I can be fun, quirky, a bit sarky, but when I'm working I can be more serious and a bit like Batman - I have a dark side, but I only show it through my work.

What is your most treasured possession?

A piece of artwork given to me by a lecturer at Duncan of Jordanstone, Harvey Duke. It was a large mono print, and he gave it to me on the basis that we had a shared friendship and similar views on art in general. I think he saw a younger side of himself in me.

What do you remember better, your first car or first kiss?

My first kiss - because she bit me. She actually drew blood!

What has been your greatest achievement?

Doing what I'm doing and not failing financially. That's the best thing I can hope for.

How old are you?

27

For more information, please visit the official website of Frank To Fine Artist.

ME AND MY... MENTOR by Marianne Halavage, THE SUNDAY HERALD March 7th 2010

Interviews by Marianne Halavage

Photograph by Gordon Terris

How a promising young artist found friendship- and discovered the patience he needed to realise his talent

FRANK TO, 27, ARTIST

I paint fine art, both figurative and abstract. But I prefer abstract for being able to portray myself- and my dark side. I have this dual "nice guy, dark guy" persona, a bit like Bruce Wayne, who turns into Batman. But, like Bruce Wayne, I keep my dark side close and channel it in my work.

At secondary school, I realised I had a bit of a talent for art but that's not why I produced it. I was this skinny, geeky teenager and I figured the only way I could attract girls was to do portraits of them. Did it work? Did it heck. They thought I was a Van Gogh- type weirdo. Actually, I tried to ignore my talent. But at every step- standard grade art, higher art, art school, my career as an artist- I was drawn to it and chose it at the last minute. So now I say, "I didn't choose art. It chose me."

In 2004 I did a masters in Fine Art at Duncan of Jordanstone Art College in Dundee and was taught by Philip Braham. I remember back then, going to the opening of his show at the Scottish Gallery, seeing his work and thinking, "I want to be that good". Now even though I've graduated and I'm a "minor celebrity" in the art world, I still consider Philip as the master and me as the apprentice.

Philip has a great technique, but he also has a great mind for painting. In 2004, I was a very irrational and impatient painter. Phil infused me with patience and rationality. He used to say to me, "Those oil paints don't control you, you control them."

My most famous buyer is the actor Patrick Stewart, who is also the chancellor of Huddersfield University where I studied fine art. I met him before my degree show, and a year later I received an email from him. At first I thought someone was playing a hoax. He bought some of my stuff and we've been friends ever since. When Patrick acts, he portrays his own voice. When I paint, I portray my own voice, and people recognise my work as Frank To's, no one else's.

www.franktofineart.com

PHILIP BRAHAM, 50, ARTIST

Frank's enthusiasm, determination and personal vitality come through in his brush work. He's a very good painter, as well as very good publicising his work. Some of the most talented students disappear after college, but Frank has the confidence to get his name out there.

I suppose when I was starting out I also had that boldness. In 1985, a friend and I held a protest outside the RSA because the Edinburgh Festival was not showing contemporary Scottish art. Our protest led to a blockbuster exhibition at the 1987 festival. That exhibition not only made my name as an artist.

My gift for art was obvious from a young age. At five, when other children were drawing stick figures, I was drawing solid volumes and trying to shade them in. In 1980, I won a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Fine Art in The Hague. There, I was inspired by Piet Mondrian's early work on landscapes.

Now, I try to represent a landscape as precisely as I can, while giving a flavour of the events in history that took place there. One landscape might take six months.

I began teaching 10 years ago, and though it slows down the number of paintings I can produce, the quality of my work benefits from my tutoring. Sometimes, I can even hear my own voice as tutor over my shoulder.

I have many big- name collectors but I don't like to say who. The work shouldn't need the nod from a celebrity. But Frank is at a different stage in his career and it's part of his marketing strategy, so I won't be too critical. Frank is in the phase where he must work hard at doing and publicising his art. But, in five years, when he is able to relax, his celebrity buyers won't be the first thing he is proud of.

www.philipbraham.com

Frank To is exhibiting at the Glasgow Art Fair. March 25- 28 (www.glasgowartfair.com)

Interviews by Marianne Halavage

Photograph by Gordon Terris

TO BOLDLY GOES WHERE FEW ARTISTS HAVE GONE BEFORE By Rosemary Gallagher, SCOTLAND ON SUNDAY January 17th 2010

ACCLAIMED Glasgow artist Frank To - who counts Sir Patrick Stewart of Star Trek fame among his collectors - has continued to profit in the recession by promoting his work while many of his peers retreated.

The 27-year-old said he realised at an early stage he had to focus on marketing as well as developing as an artist. He established his business in 2006 with his own money and support from Business Gateway, the Prince's Scottish Youth Business Trust and Royal Bank of Scotland.

In 2007 to 2008, To made a profit of about £24,000, up from £10,000 the previous year.

He said: "The main reason for the dramatic increase in profits was that I was beginning to achieve a respectable reputation as a young Scottish art graduate gaining a celebrity following. Despite the success I had in 2007-08, I knew the UK would eventually follow suit with America's downturn."

To prepare for the recession, he started budgeting and splitting his finances to concentrate on certain parts of his business, such as marketing.

All creative arts have been hit by the downturn and To's business has not been unscathed. Profits fell to about £10,000 in 2008/9, but he said they are set to rise to at least £18,000 this year.

He has gained corporate business, partly on the back of winning the award of most promising emerging Scottish artist last year from accountancy and consulting firm Deloitte & Touche.

To's work is included in the New Faces Revisited exhibition which opened this weekend at Leith Gallery in Edinburgh.

He is also part of the spring exhibition opening next month at Edinburgh bar, restaurant and hotel Hawke & Hunter.

For more information, please visit the official website of Frank To Fine Artist.

THE EXTRA NEWS By David Oliver, THE EXTRA November 26th 2009

Mearns artist Frank To is part of the Billcliffe Gallery's annual pre- Christmas exhibition. From tomorrow, To's work will be on show in showroom,s in Blythswood Street.

In a shared show with some of Scotland's most promising emerging artists running from until December 22, To will exhibit three pieces- Ascend, Gentlemen's Conduct and Susanoo.

For more information, please visit the official website of Frank To Fine Artist.

GO TO FRANK TO FOR NEW PAINTINGS, THE EDINBURGH EVENING NEWS November 18th 2009

ONE of Scotland's newest young fine artists, Frank To, is to exhibit a selection of his work at the Edinburgh Art Fair 2009.

Mr To's unique painting technique has won him international recognition. The fair is at the Corn Exchange from Friday to Sunday.

For more information, please visit the official website of Frank To Fine Artist.

ART INSPIRED BY MAJOR WORLD NEWS By Simon Morkis, THE DUNDEE COURIER 8th October 2009

THE DEATH of Michael Jackson, swine flu and the global recession have provided the inspiration for the latest exhibition by Dundee- trained artist Frank To at the city's Queen's Gallery.

Frank completed his masters at Duncan of Jordanstone in 2005 after graduating from Huddersfield.

Current affairs have inspired the Falkirk- born artist's latest paintings.

He said, "The common underlying theme behind these recent paintings is an exploration of the impact that global events, such as the recession and the swine flu epidemic, have on all our lives, as well as placing such events and instances in an historical context."

Gallery director Joyce McGlone said, "Frank's striking figurative images have featured in several of our mixed shows, leading to our featuring a larger body of his work in a successful exhibition last year."

Frank will exhibit as part of The Queen's Gallery's Insights exhibition until October 17.

For more information, please visit the official website of Frank To Fine Artist.

OPEN DOORS AT TOP ARTIST'S CITY BASE

FAST- RISING art star, Glasgow- based Frank To, will reveal the secret of his success this weekend as part of WASPS Artists' Open Studios Weekend.

The 26- year- old is among dozens of exciting young painters and sculptors whose work will feature in the event at the Dennistoun venue over Saturday and Sunday.

Last year the studio's open weekend, in the East End's Hanson Street, saw around 4500 visits and generated £35,000 in sales and commissions across Scotland.

For more information, please visit the official website of Frank To Fine Artist.

ARTIST FRANK MAKES A ROYAL APPOINTMENT by David Oliver, The Extra, 15/07/09

NEWTON Mearns painter Frank To had a brush with royalty recently.

The Duke of Rothesay, Prince Charles, visited the artist and spent time discussing and admiring his work.

Frank told The Extra: "He's also a keen art lover and amateur artist. He took a great interest in my art and achievements- I've also been invited to this year's Royal Garden Party at Holyrood."

To has also just won an award with Deloitte and Touche LLP for outstanding achievement for an young upcoming Scottish artist and for his painting Yggdrasill which was exhibited in Dundee.

Rick Ballard, SSA committee member and partner at Deloitte in Scotland, said: "Deloitte is very pleased to award Frank the recognition he deserves for his artistic flair and talent. The Yggdrasill piece is very unusual and I look forward to seeing more of Frank's work in the future."

For more information, please visit the official website of Frank To Fine Artist.

PSYBT HOSTS ROYAL VISIT BY PRINCE CHARLES IN SUPPORT OF ASIAN BUSINESS COMMUNITY by By Raj Lalli Gill, The Awaz 05/06/09

HRH Prince Charles, Duke of Rothesay, dropped by The Prince's Scottish Youth Business Trust offices on the 2nd of this month to host a special event for the Asian business community in Scotland.

HRH met with senior representatives from his Charities PSYBT, the Prince's Trust Scotland (PTS), and Scottish Business in the Community as well as members of Scotland's Asian business community to hear about their experiences of running successful businesses in Scotland.

Entrepreneur Charan Gill, owner of Harlequin in Glasgow; Saftar Sarwar executive of Barclays Wealth; Dr Rabinder Buttar, CEO of ClinTec International Group in Glasgow; and Asian representatives from Ethnic Minority Glasgow, Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce and Strathclyde Police were amongst those who were introduced to HRH during the one and a half hour long visit.

HRH spent time talking with several young people from a variety of PTS Programmes and PSYBT supported businesses. They shared their experiences of what it is to be a young Asian and talk on issues, such as support networks, barriers to enterprise, employment and opportunities.

One young man in particular artist Frank To, caught the Prince's eye as Frank had brought a few of his paintings which were on display.

The Prince spent five minutes with Frank discussing his art, he even gave Frank some advice, "avoid the elephant trap," were the Prince's words of wisdom.

Many an artist has gone down the path of ruin, due to drink or drugs.

In the creative world it is easily done.

No fear here, Frank is five steps ahead of his peers.

He has even secured Patrick Stewart- Star Trek actor- as one of his most prized clients.

Patrick has five of Frank's paintings in his collections which he displays in his various homes around the world.

Frank first came to Patrick's attention, when Frank was studying for his undergraduate degree at the University of Huddersfield, Stewart was the University's chancellor.

He enjoyed Frank's work so much that he put his hand in his pocket and dug deep, purchasing five of the young artist's works, which no doubt will double or triple in value in coming years.

Like Frank says, "In the current climate there's no point of investing in the usual stalwarts, such as property or stocks it's too much of a risk, these days your money is a lot safer if you invest in a good piece of art."

Frank approached PSYBT because he wanted to put his years of training to the test.

"I asked myself what would be the point of all that studying if I wasn't going to give it a go and become a full time painter."

Tipped for the top in the lifestyle magazine, Homes and Interiors Scotland- which recently selected its top five art graduates in Scotland- Frank is now hopeful that, with London now taking notice, so might New York.

Explaining the purpose of the Prince's visit, Mark Strudwick, PSYBT chief executive said, "One of the key objectives for hosting this meeting with the Asian business community in Scotland is to identify what more can be done, both individually and collectively by the Prince's Charities in Scotland to support young people, particularly those from the most disadvantaged backgrounds, to improve their employment and business opportunities.

"By involving a wide cross- section of the Asian business community in Scotland, we hope to identify the key challenges, increase potential for support and mentoring and broaden everyone's knowledge about the wider issues and generate ideas that will address them."

As Scotland's leading enterprising youth charity, PSYBT is committed to addressing barriers to employment for young people and ethnic minorities in Scotland.

In 2006 PSYBT supported the first Young Scotland Muslim Conference to be hosted in this country and sponsored an Asian Business Awards in 2008.

While the number of ethnic minorities working and living in Scotland is significantly lower than in many parts of England [2% in the last Census conducted in 2001 as compared to 8%? In England]. The Asian Business Community has a sound base and strong aspirations in Scotland.

Approximately 8% of PSYBT- supported businesses are from ethnic minorities, which reflects the size of the ethnic minority population in the UK, and the success of PSYBT's outreach programme.

This year commemorates the twentieth anniversary of PSYBT.

Since it was formally constituted in 1989, PSYBT has supported some 11,000 individuals to start almost 9000 businesses and provided £31.7 million in funding alongside a whole package of other assistance tailored to the needs of each individual.

Last year PSYBT invested £2 million in 665 young people involved in 559 businesses and the average PSYBT investment per business during financial year 2007/08 was £3203.

For more information, please visit the official website of Frank To Fine Artist.

His Royal Highness Prince Charles Meets Frank To Fine Artist 02/06/09

In celebration of the 20th Anniversary of P.S.Y.B.T, Prince Charles met Frank To Fine Artist on Tuesday 2nd June 2009 alongside several young successful Scottish entrepreneurs.

The Prince's Scottish Youth Business Trust leads Scotland in the promotion and support of self-employment and business creation amongst young people, thus contributing to the economic development and community regeneration of the country's regions in line with the policy of the Scottish Executive.

STAR TREKS TO EXHIBITION by Victoria Davidson, THE BIG ISSUE 23/04/09

Picard actor Stewart boldly goes to Leith gallery

Intergalactic seals of approval don't come much higher- ranking than Starship Enterprise Captain Jean Luc Picard. But young Scots artist Frank To's pal, actor Patrick Stewart, dropped in to his current exhibition at Edinburgh's Leith Gallery while in Scotland starring in Beckett's Waiting For Godot.

Stewart has been a fan of To's work since he saw his degree show, and has five of his paintings in his private collection, including a portrait of himself. Stewart said: "I like Frank's work for its thoughtfulness, intensity, use of colour and mature technique." The exhibition runs till April 25

For more information, please visit the official website of Frank To Fine Artist.

TO BE FRANK by Ann Russell, The Whit? Issue 2, Glasgow Aye Pullout Magazine 05/03/09

A chattering Frank To welcomes me into his immaculate studio, laughs at my surprise and remarks, "The state of your room affects the state of your mind" a motto reflected in his shiny loafers and spotless denim. I settle into an inviting couch while To (pronounced Tow) makes us some tea in the shadow of a large paint spattered canvas.

He is of Chinese origin but was born and brought up in the east end of Glasgow. The 26- year- old returned to his native Scottish city after a spell of what he calls ‘self imposed exile'. He graduated from the University of Huddersfield with a BA (Hons) in Fine Art and went on to gain a Masters of Fine Art from Duncan of Jordanstone Art College where he was taught by leading contemporary artist Calum Colvin.

BREAK- UP

I ask where his artistic journey began. "My girlfriend broke up with me and I felt like I had to get away. I took a year off from my BA and went to Europe to immerse myself in the work of the old masters. During this time I began to appreciate sculpture. I read a book by Giorgio Vasari called ‘The Lives of the Artists'. It said Michelangelo would sit and stare at a solid form for hours at a time. He sought to free his figures from their marble present." He smiles contentedly. "I was so inspired by this technique that I adapted it to suit my own work and it was then that I began to tweak figures out of my paintings."

To shifts in his chair, leans to one side, sighs briefly and lowers his voice as if sharing a secret. "In the first and second years of my degree, I was out drinking, partying and chasing girls. In third year my girlfriend broke up with me and my mum was diagnosed with cancer. From then on I became completely focused".

CELEB FANS

The young contemporary painter has received extensive commendation for his innovative style which has attracted a loyal celebrity following including Star Trek legend Patrick Stewart and Doctor Who Star, David Tennant. Stewart first bought To's work in 2006. To admit being ‘star struck' at the time but now regards the actor as "a great friend and mentor".

To modestly plays down his success and seems slightly baffled by the acclaim that surrounds his work. "I'm not naturally talented. I've just worked my a**e off". He pauses, looks pensive, then adds: "I had a lack of confidence in my work for a long time. As a teenager I was picked on quite severely and at school I think they associated art with being weak". Far from defeated the ever resourceful To has big plans, he intends to use the economic downturn to his advantage. His advice (unsurprisely) is for the public to purchase art, however, the logic behind this assertion seems to make sense. "People have a fear of the current economic climate. I would advise them to look to art as a form of investment. It has a mid to long term value and in general paintings accumulate worth as they get older". He adds: "There is no point being down in the dumps when I could create something that inspire people."

GOOD EXAMPLES

I want to provide an example of hope by working hard and doing well during the recession. Tracy Emin and Damien Hirst worked hard during the last recession in the early 1990s and look at them now. I think my business skills will help me through".

To's business suggestions are not to be sniffed at. He won the Prince's Scottish Youth Business Trust (PSYBT) regional business award last year and is regularly praised for his entrepreneurial skills, admitting his choice to study at the University of Huddersfield was influenced by the opportunity to take art related business modules;

"At Huddersfield they combined a business element into the course which made it stand out from others I looked at. I needed a new challenge and desperately wanted to get out of Glasgow. I watched a documentary on the singer Sting one night. He said he left Newcastle because he used to see ships being built at the docks, for months he watched them until they eventually set sail, never to be seen again. It made me think of the Clyde and it strengthened my resolve to see new things."

To confesses that his adventurous spirit is a reaction to his ‘restricted upbringing'. He refers to his childhood with a wan smile, as if trials of the past have shaped the man he is today: "I had a fairly restricted upbringing being of Chinese origin and attended a Catholic school." He tells me: "I wanted to get away from these traditions. I am very accepting of all religions and ethnicities but I don't believe that children should have beliefs forced upon them. Before I went to university I had never interacted with a gay person before because at school we were led to believe that it was some sort of forbidden taboo. I soon learned that was bulls**t and they are just normal human beings like the rest of us. It annoys me when people judge something they know nothing about."

"My mum wasn't pleased when I said I wanted to be an artist. I think she hoped I would do something more academic. On my first night travelling I was in Copenhagen. I slept rough and washed in a cafe toilet. I guess that is how people see artists sometimes. They are generally looked down upon. But the more success I achieve the more people realise that I'm doing something worthwhile."

To shrugs then confesses that his run of luck has infact been intertwined with a handful of bad decisions. At least he's human. "One of the biggest mistakes I made was the misconception that I was going to get ‘discovered' at my degree show. This is the biggest trap of all and one that many art students fall in to. If I could go back in time I would make myself learn the colour wheel. Can you believe I didn't know that till I went to university?" he sniggers "I'd say ‘Don't be so arrogant. Be humble, fix that awful fashion sense and don't fall in love so easily'". Hindsight is a wonderful thing but To doesn't need to dwell on regrets. His perseverance has led to representation being secured with top agents in London and New York, proof that an inspirational forward thinking attitude can turn the boy from Glasgow into a global success.

Unlike his fellow students To was actively sending his work to galleries whilst on his Masters course. His proactively led to an offer from the Fairfax Contemporary Art Gallery in London to show his masters collection at the Affordable Art Fair, the showcase for contemporary art priced at under £3000. After To's success at the fair, other galleries began to take interest in his paintings: "In my first year as a working artist I had over 30 exhibitions, it was suicidal but it got my name out there. Now, as I become more widely recognized I can pick and choose galleries I exhibit at, I plan to do round 3 or 4 exhibitions this year"

To's paintings now sell for anything from £500 for a small print to £10,000 for a large canvas. "Some artists think that having business skills is selling out and that we should all be bohemians with tormented souls and paint splattered clothes but when those guys are working in Tesco and I have become a leading Scottish artist, I can walk past and say ‘I told you so'"

His recent place at number 12 in the Scotland on Sunday ‘top 100 hot Scots' suggests he is already a leading man in the eligibility stakes. The mention of his nomination makes him chuckle: "Yeah I had some explaining to do to my girlfriend when that came out. I didn't think it was a big deal but then I had a few weird offers on Valentine's Day. I had to laugh". The young draughtsman is relaxed and confident around his work. He is technically brilliant, manipulating paint and chemicals to create life forms that glow with a mesmerizing spiritual force. He keeps his profession close to his chest as if protecting something precious. I can't help thinking there is an eccentric side to the polished To that only his paintings get to see: "Nobody knows I'm an artist until I tell them. I just look like a normal guy. I live by a very important business rule "Don't show your real self until it is necessary".

ARTIST FOR SALE by Leah Parker, Home Plus Scotland March- April 2009

We've grabbed contemporary figurative painter Frank To and made him justify what would make us bust our budget to bag him. Offers over, anyone?

Frank To was born in Glasgow in 1982. Having graduated from the University of Huddersfield with BA (Hons) Fine Art, he went on to gain a Masters of Fine Art from Duncan of Jordanstone Art College. Frank works from his studio in Glasgow and has exhibited alongside some of the greats of the Scottish and international art scene such as Peter Howson and Damien Hirst. Star Trek legend Patrick Stewart is a huge fan of To's work and classes the artist as a friend.

Inspiring views... I have always been inspired by personal life experiences, both good and bad. I feel that by using these allows the art work to become more personal to me and the viewers. Also it allows the audience to relate to the work more. It's these experiences that make life worth living.

Compact and bijou... I'm currently working on a new body of work for my exhibition, "Boundaries", at the Leith Gallery in April. I've also just finished a series of paintings for the Albemarle Gallery in London. Most of the new paintings have an underlying visual theme of a human figure emerging out from the darkness, refusing to be suppressed. It's only been during the past year that there has been more of an appreciation and demand for my darker pieces. I suppose they reflect more on my personality.

Recently refurbished... I moved into a bigger studio in Spring 2008, but I have only just finished refurbishing the room .I'm quite specific about the area where I create my work. I managed to get this beautiful old cherry wood study desk for the studio. Now I feel more comfortable and professional about my workspace.

Scope for development... The recent turmoil in the financial market has led a rise in demand for alternative investments such as fine wine and whisky. I think that in the current climate, fine art offers more of an attractive alternative investment. Depending on the artist, the value of art rarely falls over the medium to long term. Despite this, I still highly advise people to only buy artworks that they enjoy.


Benefits from... I work quite closely with P.S.Y.B.T (Prince's Scottish Youth Business Trust). As a past P.S.Y.B.T supported client, I received an enormous amount of moral and financial support from the charity. Byworking with them, I can help promote the support and advice they can offer to young aspiring Scottish artists.

Much potential... In my spare time I work on abstract paintings. These are very expressive and highly emotional pieces. What I'm trying to portray is the dark side of my personality. The only way I can engage fully is by using method acting; a form of acting where the actor tries to replicate real life emotional conditions of the character. I'm also doing some personal research on Carl Jung's theory of the Shadow Side in the human mind. I just find the whole topic fascinating.

Original features... I enjoyed art when I was younger, but never really aspired to be an artist. I had a difficult time at home and school when I was a teenager. By the time I was 17 the whole ordeal left me depressed and eventually I was admitted to psychotherapy. Although I was getting help, art became an outlet for my problems. Eventually thanks to art school and actor friend, Patrick Stewart, it is now my "voice" in the world.
Desirable location... Whenever I'm in London, I stay in a beautiful Victorian three storey house. The area has such a diverse culture, history and scenery. Whenever I wake up in that house, I feel as though I'm living in late 19th century London.

Immaculately presented... I'm getting more attention for my unusual painting technique. It's inspired by the Renaissance sculptor, Michelangelo. It was said that Michelangelo could visualize the human form within a block of marble. Similarly, I tease out figures from initial abstract paintings.


Particulars.....

Favourite building... The Rockefeller Center In New York. It has amazing sculptures, a good restaurant and a very classy bar.

Hero is... The film director, Christopher Nolan.
Favorite material... old leather that's used on notebooks
Relaxation is... reading literature by Dante in a café
Biggest interiors nightmare... Anything that promotes clutter. I grew up in that environment and hated it.
My passions are... making artwork that best visualizes my inner thoughts and exhibiting them to the public. To be able to bring forth your ideas/ emotions to reality is a very unique gift and should not be taken for granted.
I'm getting into... SLR photography My modern must-have is... laptops
The next big thing is... iRobot Roomba 560 Vacuum Cleaning Robot
My fashion style is.. modern conservative gentleman with a hint of a dark side.
I collect... Fine art prints such as etchings and monoprints
I can't live without... my Blackberry and studio

*For more information, please visit the official website of Frank To Fine Artist.

ART OF MAKING A LIVING by Colin Cardwell, The Herald 27/01/09

A good grounding in business can be an essential asset for emerging young artists, say Colin Cardwell

There are two distinct sets of figures that dominate artist Frank To's life- the tenebrous wraith- like bodies that inhabit his canvases and the ones that populate the bottom line of his business. He talks with almost as much energy about the need to weather the economic storm as he does about his painting.

The 26- year- old already has his work hanging in the private collection of actor Patrick Stewart, forever to be known as Captain Jean-Luc Picard of Star Trek fame, and beside the work of Andy Warhol and Picasso in New York.

Frank grew up in Glasgow and studied at St Ninian's High School where, he developed an interest in art in his teens ("I remember being impressed by Peter Howson's work on CD covers") he was also given lessons in sound business by his Hong Kong born mother, who is a self- employed caterer.

He had, he said decided to make fine art his career at an early stage and Huddersfield University was the only institution at the time that combined his twin interests of fine art and business.

After two years of a BA he took a year out to travel in Europe, which sparked an appreciation for Michelangelo, then took a work placement, returning to Glasgow and a studio in the Merchant City with the kind of serious drive that was beginning to distinguish him from the typical art student.

Unlike most of his contemporaries, he was applying to galleries which he continued to do during a further year studying for an MA in Fine Arts at the Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design in Dundee. "It made economic sense; I have a place to work from, free internet access and I was thinking long term," he says.

In 2005, just before completing the Masters, Frank received an offer from the Fairfax Contemporary Art Gallery in London to show his work at the Affordable Art Fair, the showcase for contemporary art priced at under £3000.

"The gallery took all my Masters work," he says. By the end of the three days all but one painting has been sold." This, for a new artist who had never been heard of, was unusual. The gallery hadn't been sure how the audience would react to my work, "says Frank. "I think they were surprised."

He admits that he was surprised too. "But I was very pleased because not only did it allow me to start up in business as a self employed artist but importantly, it allowed my work to be seen by new, emerging and established galleries. Because it sold well, a lot of other galleries started taking notice and I began to get offers.

Wary of making too many commitments, he returned to Glasgow to set up his own studio space, currently at Wasps Artists' Studios in the city's east end- a charitable company that provides studios for more than 750 artists at 17 locations throughout Scotland.

This, unsurprisingly, was no mere chance either. Anticipating the competition for studios, he had begun to search in his second year at Huddersfield.

"By beginning at 20 I knew I was going through the waiting list while I was still studying. Luckily for me, it worked out quite well."

Start- up cash was needed and he contacted the Princes Scottish Youth Business Trust (PSYBT) and Business Gateway. "I started taking commissions and making commitments, "he says. The first year was extremely difficult- probably he concedes, down to his taking on an overload of work, "But I had to get my name known on the art circuit, to get galleries to notice me."

He was also assiduous in keeping the galleries undated with his developments and raising his profile- which was given a boost when Patrick Stewart, who was chancellor of Huddersfield University, came to his BA degree show.

"We had a chat, then I had an email from him saying that he had enjoyed my work. I went to London to see him and he bought two of my paintings."

This engendered more interest among private collectors and his work was seen by Michel Witmer, an art historian and dealer who now has a Frank To in his New York collection, which includes a Picasso and Andy Warhol. "For me to be hung beside guys like that is something major," says Frank.

Influenced by the New Glasgow Boys, including Howson and Ken Currie, Frank describes his oil paintings as being on the boundaries of figurative and conceptual art. His smaller pieces sell for around £1700 and the largest for more than £5000 and the value of his work has, he says, increased significantly in the past three years.

In the meantime, he retains a connection with PSYBT: "I believe in the same things they do, in terms of motivating new business. I plan to be mentoring young artists, I've been asked to be on the committee and I'm always willing to help."

In five years, he says, the only certainty is that he will still be an artist, and still looking after business. "A lot of people think that there are no job prospects in fine art, but it is very much a real job. You have to keep certain hours, you have to do your book- keeping and make sure all your paints and materials are in stock. And in this the current economic climate, where people are in a state of fear, art can be both an inspiration and an investment.

For more information, please visit the official website of Frank To Fine Artist.

Radio Clyde Interview with Frank To 09/01/09

Interview by Rob Waller of Radio Clyde. Officially aired 09/01/09