Xavier Pick

Born - York 1972
Education - Glasgow School of Art (1991 - 1993)
The Royal College of Art (1993 - 1996)
Practicing artist - Yorkshire (1996 - 1999)
Manchester (1999 - 2002)
London (2002 - at present)
Lecturing - Bradford Art College (1998 - 2000)
Manchester Metropolitan University (2000 - 2002)
The Royal College of Art (2003 – at present)

My work is about story telling. I was trained as an illustrator so words and images that blur the boundaries between reality and fantasy is what drives me. I make my living by selling large panels that
illustrate London in an imaginative way. My personal work is producing journals filled with writing and drawings that try and make sense of the world around me. I am hoping one day to merge these two disciplines in a series of graphic novels.

Panels -these are usually large scale works that are complicated in composition, rich in text and visual aesthetic. They are produced using a variety of photographic and mark-making techniques. They illustrate everyday situations, where people converge. They discuss ideas and meaning and they are a prelude to films.

Journals, Thoughts, Ideas and Observations are freely developed with honesty in a visual journal. A sketchbook is often private, there is little fear that the scribbling will be seen, and it doesn't matter
that things go right or wrong. I have been diligently keeping a visual diary for 15 years now, everyday a page or two of notes and drawings. These books have been a passport to many worlds, a living portfolio for others to see who you are. Unlike taking a camera which shuns people away, folk are drawn to someone working in their book.

For the last few years I have been immersed in London- the night life, the backstreets and roof-top views. The drawing and writing are a reportage of city life. This process of looking and interpreting the world has fueled new and complex pieces, using London as a backdrop. If I get stuck on what to do next I'll go on a sketchbook drawing adventure, unsure where it will take me. I try and draw things that I have never drawn before and use different techniques. colour combinations and mediums. It also is really useful when you are working out composition for bigger pictures. If I need to work something out in my life, I'll bury myself in writing in these books too.

Website www.xavierpick.com