'Perfect Skin', assemblage in box frame, collage, wood, paint, giclee print, window transfer, 45 cm x 64 cm.
'I've always been interested in making art that mixes glamour with the reality of everyday life. I came across the 'Untitled' series of film stills by Cindy Sherman when I was at university and I think they've had a huge influence on my work, along with collage artists such as Peter Blake, Linder Sterling and John Stezaker.
My recent series of collage portraits are an attempt to show the inner thoughts and emotions of the portrait subject, using the eye as a link to the two scenes in the image. I've been obsessively collecting vintage colour magazines, books and catalogues, for the last few years, and created a mini library, which provides an endless source of inspiration and material.'
left to right: 'Onset Romance', collage on board, 17.5 x 23 cm.,
'Overprotective', collage on board, 17 x 24 cm.,
'You're Home Early', collage on board, 17 x 21 cm.
'When making a piece, I'll start with a portrait, often from 1940's and 1950's movie annuals that feature stunning full page colour portraits of the stars of the day. Next, I'll search for an image for a background, for the inside of the face, that'll echo the pose, colours and style of the portrait. Then I'll start to add details such as sofas or coffee tables to build a clearer impression of the face. Next, I'll add figures, which is where the idea for a story emerges, then I'll add other features to reinforce a narrative. Often, I'll have a song or lyric in my head that'll become the theme of the piece. Sometimes I can waste a day searching through hundreds of magazines for the right coloured or sized chair to go in a collage. It's like putting a jigsaw puzzle together, and hunting for pieces that'll fit.'
'Notice Me', collage on board, 20 x 27 cm.
'I was born in Colchester in the UK in 1974. I studied Art History at the University of East London and whilst there started making art in my spare time. Over years I've used painting, screen printing, assemblage and collage in my artistic dabbles. My work has featured in various solo and group exhibitions around the UK.'
left to right: 'Mother Earth', assemblage in box frame, 35 x 45 cm.,
'The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa', collage on board, 15.5 x 22.3 cm.,
'Whatever Gets You Through', assemblage in box frame.
'Do You Love Me?', collage on board, 15 x 22 cm.
left to right: 'Make Your Own Bloody Tea', collage on board, 20 x 21 cm., 'Cant Face The Day', collage on board, 15.8 x 17.5 cm., 'Cinderella', collage on board, 20 x 30 cm.
'Call Waiting', collage board, 14.5 x 19.5 cm.
'Beach Body Ready', assemblage in box frame, collage, wood, paint, giclee print, window transfer, 45 x 64 cm.
Shane Wheatcroft, in his studio.
Shane's website address is www.shanewheatcroft.com
Here's a link to a recent article about my work https://www.thisiscolossal.com/2021/11/shane-wheatcroft-collages/
With a flair for spectacle and clandestine activities, the perfectly coiffed characters of Shane Wheatcroft’s collages face a deluge of intrigue and drama. The Kent-based artist snips vintage ads and editorial spreads that become the musings of professionally photographed subjects: a woman replays an excruciating party scene, a businessman envisions a wholesome family gathering, and quite a ...
