My name is Dominic Kesterton, an artist and illustrator.
Q. It seems like you depict everyday scenes as well as still life from a new perspective. What would you say is your signature style?
I think my style revolves around refined linework and simplicity. It’s graphic and somewhat about being pared down. I draw a lot of carefully poised plants, fruits, faces and bodies.
Q. Where do you mainly draw inspiration from?
I always keep a sketchbook and often refer to past sketchbooks when I need to spark a new idea. Images are thrust at us all day - I’m not consciously pulling from anything specific, but my head is often full. I’m just trying to maintain a process of getting the drawings out.
Q. Do you have any specific messages you convey through your artwork?
I don’t want to prescribe a message or suggest there is a correct reading of my work. But I do want people to see evidence of my drawing practice, and I want people to see things that look simple but perhaps weren’t so simple to make. I like when people try to decode my images, but I am not aware of there being any correct answers as to what they mean.
Q. There are recurring elements in your work such as tears, hands, fruits, etc. What do these elements symbolize?
These things just come up as I draw. I often end up repeating certain motifs in my sketchbook - maybe they just feel satisfying to draw. I love repetition. I love drawing the same thing over and over and slowly sifting out the way to do it. I think the elements that I repeat are just for the play - recognisable motifs that I can slice, warp and combine. I love that process.
Q. Out of many collaborations you've done with well-known brands like Apple, The NewYoker, and Converse, what is the most memorable work you've done and why?
I made a skateboard with an independent brand called Bricks 86. It was a small run, screen printed by hand. I grew up skating and still dabble. So holding the skateboard with my graphic on it was a big deal. That felt special.
Q. How was your collaboration with SEVEN EIGHT UNDER?
It was a fun and easygoing collaboration. I really enjoyed the chance to work on a surface that I am not used to.
Q. Could you highlight some details of this work?
It can be challenging to find the right place to customise on a shoe because the panels are such different shapes and sizes from the blank rectangular pieces of paper that I am so used to. So I thought about pulling the tongue up and out to create a big space to feature a drawing. It makes the shoe look a little unusual. I took it from there. It's a funny thought to have a big crying face sticking out on your shoes.
Q. What are your plans for the future? Is there an ultimate goal?
I will keep drawing and painting. I want to make some very large works, something very heavy and needs a crane to move it. And some books, toys, shoes, anything.
Q. Lastly, would you share a piece of advice or encouragement to the people who "keep marching for their dreams"?
Take your time, put your work out there and then make some more.
Dominic Kesterton
Sad shoes
Q. Could you please briefly introduce yourself?
My name is Dominic Kesterton, an artist and illustrator.
Q. It seems like you depict everyday scenes as well as still life from a new perspective. What would you say is your signature style?
I think my style revolves around refined linework and simplicity. It’s graphic and somewhat about being pared down. I draw a lot of carefully poised plants, fruits, faces and bodies.
Q. Where do you mainly draw inspiration from?
I always keep a sketchbook and often refer to past sketchbooks when I need to spark a new idea. Images are thrust at us all day - I’m not consciously pulling from anything specific, but my head is often full. I’m just trying to maintain a process of getting the drawings out.
Q. Do you have any specific messages you convey through your artwork?
I don’t want to prescribe a message or suggest there is a correct reading of my work. But I do want people to see evidence of my drawing practice, and I want people to see things that look simple but perhaps weren’t so simple to make. I like when people try to decode my images, but I am not aware of there being any correct answers as to what they mean.
Q. There are recurring elements in your work such as tears, hands, fruits, etc. What do these elements symbolize?
These things just come up as I draw. I often end up repeating certain motifs in my sketchbook - maybe they just feel satisfying to draw. I love repetition. I love drawing the same thing over and over and slowly sifting out the way to do it. I think the elements that I repeat are just for the play - recognisable motifs that I can slice, warp and combine. I love that process.
Q. Out of many collaborations you've done with well-known brands like Apple, The NewYoker, and Converse, what is the most memorable work you've done and why?
I made a skateboard with an independent brand called Bricks 86. It was a small run, screen printed by hand. I grew up skating and still dabble. So holding the skateboard with my graphic on it was a big deal. That felt special.
Q. How was your collaboration with SEVEN EIGHT UNDER?
It was a fun and easygoing collaboration. I really enjoyed the chance to work on a surface that I am not used to.
Q. Could you highlight some details of this work?
It can be challenging to find the right place to customise on a shoe because the panels are such different shapes and sizes from the blank rectangular pieces of paper that I am so used to. So I thought about pulling the tongue up and out to create a big space to feature a drawing. It makes the shoe look a little unusual. I took it from there. It's a funny thought to have a big crying face sticking out on your shoes.
Q. What are your plans for the future? Is there an ultimate goal?
I will keep drawing and painting. I want to make some very large works, something very heavy and needs a crane to move it. And some books, toys, shoes, anything.
Q. Lastly, would you share a piece of advice or encouragement to the people who "keep marching for their dreams"?
Take your time, put your work out there and then make some more.
PF. KAKAO 78under
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