This March’s Artist Spotlight features Iain Carby. Known for his bright landscapes and red cypress trees, Iain Carby is always a favourite for bidders at McTear’s. Pictures Specialist Makenzie Cool interviewed Carby to get an insight into his artistic ambitions and inspirations, and a little bit more about the life of this well-loved artist.
Q: When did you start painting? Or did you start with another artform first?
Carby: At art school 1995
Q: When did you start to develop your distinct style?
Carby: It’s part of my signature so it came with me .
Q: Who were or are your artistic influences?
Carby: Joan Miro,Salvador Dali,the impressionists all the way back to the cave painters.
Q: What is your favourite dessert?
Carby: That’s a broad subject and is now reflected in my figure !
Q: What is your favourite beverage?
Carby: Laphroig
Q: Where is your favourite place in Scotland?
Carby: St lanes on the Isle of Bute
Q: Is there a medium that you have not yet worked with, but would like to try?
Carby: Sculpture in stone .
Q: What are other interests you hold outside of painting?
Carby: Gardening
Q: Are you into fashion? If not, what is your favourite item of clothing?
Carby: Comfy old jumper
Q: What is one painting by someone else (well known or not) that you wish you had done?
Carby: The Farm by Joan Miro
Q: What is your favourite painting you have done yourself? Did you keep it for yourself, sell it, was it a commission etc?
Carby: Any of my Red Tree paintings, I have kept the original.
Q: What is your favourite holiday?
Carby: Mauritius Silver Beaches
Q: If you could choose someone to play you in a film, who would you choose?
Carby: Not bothered
Q: What are you the proudest of in life/what is your biggest accomplishment?
Carby: My children
Q: Who is your favourite artist?
Carby: Joan Miro
Q: If you didn’t paint, what would you want your career to be
Carby: A surgeon.
Q: Tea or coffee?
Carby: Coffee
Q: What is your favourite book?
Carby: Kidnapped by RLS
Q: What is your favourite time of the day?
Carby: Morning
Q: What are three things you cannot live without?
Carby: My wife Margaret, paint and my garden.
Q: What are you currently reading?
Carby: Newspapers
Q: Do you have any advice you would give your younger self? (art related, or not)
Carby: Learn some languages
Q: Do you speak any languages besides English?
Carby: No
Q: Favourite sports team?
Carby: Beith Juniors
Q: Do you collect anything?
Carby: Memories.
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Makenzie Cool
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