The Artist was born in Leicester and christened Rodney Arthur Ison. His little, older brother, was told daddy (Arthur) had given a baby (him) to mummy as a gift and in his mind this was a baby Arthur. He told everyone he met he was going to have,’a bibby arfur’ and it became important therefore,that he be named Arthur somewhere. So, there it is.
Early Life
The Artist was brought up on the outskirts of the city, close to the countryside, which no doubt contributed to the love of open space he has and the freedom it promises. From a very young age, he developed a passion for drawing as a means of self-expression, finding solace in the gentle strokes of his pencil on paper. He was hardly without a pencil in his hand, often seen sketching the world around him, capturing the beauty of people and animals and the essence of life itself. At times, finding himself without paper on which to draw, he drew on the margins of his father’s books. Charles Dickens was never illustrated like this before. The eyes of the child saw stories in every shadow and colours in every corner, allowing his imagination to breathe life into each character or creature he drew. These early experiences not only honed his artistic skills but also solidified his belief in the power of art as a universal language, enabling him to share his unique perspective of the world with others.
Senior School
He consistently won the art prize for his level each year. He graduated to drawing caricatures of masters, showcasing a remarkable ability to capture their essence in a humorous light. This newfound skill made for immense popularity with his classmates, as they delighted in his funny yet poignant depictions of their tutors. Despite his unwavering passion for art, his parents did not see fit to allow him to continue with studying it, believing instead that he should pursue a more stable career. They were alarmed by the antics and morality, or lack thereof, of many prominent artists of the day, perceiving them as extravagant and reckless individuals who lost themselves to their muse. They wanted to protect him from undesirable influence and provide him with a traditional education, one that they felt would safeguard his future and keep him from straying down what they considered a precarious path.
At Work
The Artist has a creative spirit which needed to be fed to stay alive. He has never subscribed to the work ethic of simply getting a job, any job, so long as it earns a living. As a result, he ended up pursuing the craft of woodcarver and gilder, finding solace in the intricate textures of wood and the shimmering finishes of gilded surfaces. He specialized in making and restoring picture and mirror frames, each piece telling its own unique story through the craftsmanship it embodied. This not only refined his skills but also provided both the opportunity and incentive to continue applying himself to painting, where he could express his vibrant imagination and explore new artistic horizons. The interplay between his woodworking and painting further enriched his understanding of aesthetics, enabling him to create artworks that seamlessly merged the two disciplines.
No Regrets
He does not regret the occupation he found because it helped him develop as a creative person, nurturing his artistic instincts in profound ways. The occupation of both woodcarver and gilder allows for producing a frame from start to finish, transforming raw materials into beautiful, finished pieces. This process is a joy in itself, as each stage presents new challenges and learning opportunities. Being able to produce both the painting and the frame adds to this joy, as it creates a harmonious relationship between the two that speaks to a deeper understanding of art. Along the way, he came to better understand the intricate relationship between frame and painting, appreciating how a well-crafted frame can enhance the beauty of an artwork, drawing the viewer’s eye and elevating the overall aesthetic experience.
The Artist’s ability to paint and frame his own work has given him a further gift. A fondness for the Arts and Crafts Movement, which resonates deeply within him. More especially, what it stands for, the beauty of craftsmanship, a principle that elevates the value of ordinary lives. This appreciation stems from the belief that every creation, no matter how small, holds the potential to enrich the human experience. It enhances the dignity of honest labour, reminding us that the work we do with our hands and minds can leave a lasting impact on the world around us. This includes producing nothing but what is useful or beautiful, leading us to seek out the extraordinary within the mundane. It focuses on what is wholly worth-while, inspiring both the creator and the observer to embrace a life filled with intention and purpose, where art and functionality blend seamlessly.
Rodney Ison Gallery 