Introducing Andy Singleton: Our new Artist In Residence 2022

We are delighted to introduce our 2022 Artist in Residence Andy Singleton, Wakefield-based paper artist and illustrator. Andy explores the natural and manmade world to create intricate paper cuttings, striking paper sculptures, hand-drawn illustrations and beautiful large-scale installations. Spot Andy's vibrant installations trapezing throughout our window displays, cavorting around our burgeoning Bond Street floral display and creating a sense of wonderment on the box of our Christmas calendars and other projects We were lucky enough to enter Andy's studio and marvel at his work, both brilliantly immense and exquisitely small. Discover our interview below to find out why he chose the unexpected medium of paper as his artistic focus and the fascinating process behind his work.

**What inspired you to start working with paper?** It was at University that I realised that paper offered a unique way to express my ideas. It is a tactile material, which is easily accessible. After graduating, I explored the natural world and created experimental pieces that capture movement and energy. I began to show my work in galleries and became known for creating large-scale paper installations and intricate paper sculptures.

**How do you approach each project?** The starting point of any project usually begins with a sketch. I then create test models and sketch in 3D to work out technical requirements. Once I’m happy with this stage, the artwork can be reproduced on high-quality paper, ready to be photographed and transformed into all kinds of different mediums. **How did you approach the window display theme 'Circus of Life' in celebration of our 140th anniversary?** Our starting point was the visit to the Fenwick achieves in Newcastle to explore their extensive collection of beautiful circus posters collected over many years by Arthur Fenwick. I found the images to be vivid, full of energy and surprisingly contemporary with lots of strong and interesting characters. I wanted the feel of the finished result to capture one of excitement and otherworldliness that you get when visiting the circus.

**Are there any new materials or techniques you have applied to your work with Fenwick?** I usually try to capture the entirety of my paper sculptures in one photo. Due to the scale of the image and the multi-functional use of the illustration, I decided it would not be practical. So for this project, I photographed each element and then composed the final image in Photoshop. **How did you blend your aesthetic with Fenwick’s personality?** I like to be experimental in my work which was reflected in Fenwick's trusting attitude to collaborating. Fenwick seems to genuinely embrace a sense of playfulness which makes for a natural fit for an artist like myself.

**This year Fenwick celebrates 140 years of empowering women, what does empowerment mean to you?** For me, empowerment means the ability to express oneself in society without the boundaries or expectations of traditional ideas of who and what people should be. To be empowered means you can make decisions about your life without the expectations of society holding you back. As a father of a son and a daughter, I think it’s important that they are raised as complete equals and we do not burden them with our expectations about who they should be but encourage them to find out for themselves.

**How do you want people to feel when they look at your work?** On a surface level, I try to capture a high level of detail, skill and craft in my work. I want people to wonder ‘how did he make that?’ On a deeper level what I’m always trying to express in my work is a sense of energy and movement. It could be a large scale paper installation exploring the energy of a nebula cloud or the circus theme illustration for Fenwick. I always want to show the viewer the life force that exists in these moments. **If you could shape Fenwick into a paper model, what would it look like?** I see Fenwick as one of my large flowing sculptural pieces, lively and expressive. A fluid form, like one of my large installations but with vivid colour.