Sumit Sarkar
What do you do?
I’m a digital and analogue painter and sculptor, working with a variety of different media, from 3D print and marble, to oils and aerosols.
Have you worked with Wild in Art before?
I’ve worked with Wild in Art on various projects over the years; I’ve helped prototype Chris’ designs using digital 3D processes, I’ve done design work for Wild in Art projects, and of course have painted a few sculptures over the years. Wild in Art have also supported some of my own exhibitions.
What did you like about the designs you have picked out?
I loved the creativity and variety of styles of the designs on Wild in Art world. It’s hard to pick a favourite, but if I had to it would be Traci Moss’ Elmer the Elephant as it was such a striking design.
I also loved the Ice Cream Snail by Donna Newman. Donna submitted loads of amazing designs, but anything that can make a snail look delicious gets my vote for originality and achieving the impossible.
Also Jacki Richardson’s dolphin – I loved the minimalist but effective idea and could easily imagine it as a painted Wild in Art sculpture.
Which are your favourite top ten designs?
My top ten are:
- Traci Moss, Elmer
- Donna Newman, snail (Ice Cream version)
- Jacki Richardson, dolphin
- Kevsmakes, giraffe
- Emily R, penguin
- Suzy Meredith, wallaby
- Toronto to Manchester and Back again, bee
- Shona Heaney, lighthouse
- Jessica, giraffe
- Anja Perry, penguin
- Maggie, The Snowdog(s)
Oh wait that’s 11.
What does art and creativity mean to you?
Art and creativity mean everything to me, I love experimenting with new processes, and it never gets dull with new creative digital technologies emerging year on year.
Who or what is your greatest inspiration/greatest influence on your work?
My greatest influences are all artists I know; Ryo Okamoto, who inspired the main direction of my work back in 1997, Richard (Ruse) Roberts who roused my love of letters, and Professor Keith Brown, a legend in the world of digital, sculptural art, who helped me to see the freedom of the abstract. I am also inspired by comic art, science fiction and film, and religious iconography.
How did you come to work in the creative industries?
I have never not wanted to be an artist, studying art at school, then doing a foundation course, then a degree, and have pursued it ever since. My advice to aspiring artists is to just keep practising, do art wherever and however you can, keep applying for opportunities, commissions and competitions, even when you get rejected, always try new things, and never keep it simple.
My work can be found at kriksix.com and on Facebook and instagram, also @kriksix.