Kerry Beall is a graphic designer and illustrator based in Manchester, England. Her love of visual communication and creativity are just some of her tools that she uses to create surreal portraits that tease the imagination. With an artistic process that’s always evolving, Kerry masterfully blurs the lines between surrealism and reality, inspiring us to question the world and how we respond to one another.
AD: When did you become interested in art?
KB: I’ve been interested in art from such a young age. I’d always choose to draw at every opportunity!
AD: Did you receive any traditional education?
KB: I didn’t go to a traditional art school; I trained as a graphic designer and graduated in 2008. I worked in the design industry for many years before I became a full-time artist. Graphic design has really influenced my work. I have a real love for visualising and putting together interesting compositions.
AD: When did you discover your love for portraiture?
KB: I started painting a face in ink one evening. I was working in a design studio at the time (predominantly web design), so I wanted a break from the screen. I’m not sure if that was a conscious decision; I just felt really moved to paint something. I was also asked prior to that if I could contribute something creative to a charity auction. So, I guess all of that reasoning combined; I picked up a paint brush and painted a face.
It was really exciting to discover it was actually quite good, and it actually looked like a face!
As I started layering up the ink and adding the details into the eyes they came alive! it was a blank page, and now it felt like almost a person with a pulse looking at me! The exchange of energy that was created was actually amazing. I felt alive too! It was a turning point, and it reignited my creativity and propelled me into a new direction.
AD: What tools can you not live without?
KB: Photoshop [and] my imagination. I use Photoshop to plan my drawings. Once the ink or paint is on the canvas it takes on a new identity and is often a developed and altered version of the original plan. I like to think on Photoshop!
I was pulled towards that program at college and loved using it. It allows me to think, layer ideas and colours and get inspired. My imagination is a tool I need. I see the images I want to create in my head and have practised at holding the image there long enough for it to become a physical reality.
AD: What is your creative process?
KB: My creative process is going through a change. I’m growing all the time as an artist and want to discover new and exciting ways to create works of art. I started out using charcoal and ink and merging the two together. I love that, but I want to experiment with more ideas and processes. I love oil paint – it blends like charcoal so you can get that super smooth effect. I’m also creating a new line of work with resin, so my process keeps changing! The consistency is in thinking of the idea, planning a composition and deciding on a medium that supports that particular concept.
AD: Are your portraits based purely on imagination or from an actual person?
KB: Definitely a bit of both. I like to create very realistic images of faces with a surreal twist.
I’ve always had a vivid imagination and like to the blur the line between dreams and reality. Creating artwork that is executed in a realistic way, but combining subject matters in a surreal way is very exciting to me.
AD: What inspires you to create?
KB: I want my artwork to communicate. I almost feel that’s why my creative journey as an adult started with graphic design. It’s all about visual communication.
I am aware that my work is experimental, and I am trying different processes and mediums, but I am inspired at the thought of creating a new thematic body of work that questions how we respond in this world and to each other. I know that’s where my work is going, but I’m enjoying the journey.
For more information, visit www.kerrybeall.com.
