Sasha Compton

Sasha Compton is a British artist, originally from North Yorkshire and currently based in Amsterdam. Her mixed media artwork is colourful, feminine and explorative, focusing on positive imperfections. She uses expressive techniques to show joyful scenes and memories, with an emphasis on negative space and texture to ignite emotion. Sasha trained at Central St. Martins (Art foundation, Illustration 2012), and then Chelsea College of Art (BA hons Graphic Design 2015). Sasha worked in the creative industry as Senior Graphic Designer in the fashion industry for 6 years until deciding to fulfil her dream as a full-time contemporary artist. She has taken her bold colours and feminine style from the fashion industry with her. Sasha is inspired by the beauty of nature, liberation, body empowerment and classical and traditional themes in contemporary forms. She celebrates individuality and imperfections in her daily life and practise and aims to bring a splash of happiness into people’s homes.

Instagram: @sashacompton_design

“In today’s world, there is so much pressure to be perfect. My work is all about embracing the differences. I use unpredictable creative methods, such as lino printing, watercolours and working with ceramics. These materials seem to have a life of their own which I love. I embrace these imperfections that give an artwork its own character, as if each piece has its own personality.”

Where would you like your work to take you?

I think the fun is in not knowing where my art will take me, every day is a new day and as long as I am creating and it feels right then I am happy.

Which part of your creative process do you enjoy most?

I love the challenge, the stage after you have had the idea when you need to make the idea a reality. It's so much fun experimenting and working out how to express the concept best, which medium and material. That explorative messy stage is just great. genuinely the whole process is a real journey of highs and lows to get the end result of satisfaction. Many concepts, sketches and pieces end up not working out but that's all part of the process and I'm thankful for the creative journey and challenge that enables you to appreciate the end point.

Where do you draw inspiration from?

I grew up in the countryside in Yorkshire and Scotland, so a lot of my inspiration comes from nature. I love going on long walks and taking photos of the colours or abstract details / textures. I work a lot from memory or emotions too, using colour to express what I was feeling at the time. I worked as a graphic designer in the fashion industry for 7 years previously so my love for colour and the female form comes from this exposure. I am a big admirer of the history of art too, I think it's important to appreciate the past when trying to shape the future.

What piece of music would you say compliments your work the most?

It has to be something Fleetwood Mac! Perhaps "Dreams".. Upbeat, emotive and whimsical.

Can you list a couple other creatives/friends/people you look to for inspiration?

Absolutely. A fellow Yorkshire artist, David Hockney is a huge inspiration for me, I love his use of playful colour. Grayson Perry's original way of thinking and zest for life I admire. I really like Mark Hearld's work (another Yorkshire artist).

My friend Emily Ponsonby is a hugely talented artist who captures the female form so organically, as does Jess Wheeler with her wonderful botanical illustrations. Jess Bird for fashion illustration, Sophie Harding for use of colour in her paintings, and for ceramics LRNCE and Rachael Cocker.