IN CONVERSATION WITH CAITLIN WALTON

Uniquely conveying raw emotions through a nuanced combination of themes, Kent-based artist, Caitlin Walton, hosts a captivating style. Due to their comfort from both the odd and beautiful elements of life, Walton portrays a slightly unsettling vibe in an otherwise calm environment. When interviewed, Walton unpacked meaning, process, and inspiration behind the enchanting work.

DUNCE, (2020)

What comes first in your artistic process? Is it the concept, the emotion, a theme, or something different? What follows from here?

I don't follow a strict process as I draw inspiration from many different places. Sometimes I could begin with a silly thought that I have scribbled down or I turn one of my doodles into a full blown concept. Having said that, I do always start with a pencil sketch so that I can confidently go in with acrylics.

My emotions at the time change the overall mood of each piece, dictating how happy, sad, scary or silly the narrative could be.

Do you ever feel hesitant to share work you have poured emotion into, or is it exhilarating to showcase your pieces?

I would have to say that I feel both hesitant and excited to share my work. Understandably people might think that my use of emotion, nudity or gore is quite strange and there is always a chance some unsolicited criticism might come my way from people stating something like "I could of done that.!" That being said the majority of the feedback I receive is overwhelmingly positive I feel so incredibly lucky that people enjoy looking at my work and that encourages me to make more.

Your work doesn't limit itself to just one subject, enerey emits from the characters, the setting, the props, the expressions. Is there anything you are particularly drawn to creating?

I adore the female form in all shapes and sizes. More often than not, it is the focal point of my work. I also usually like to portray a slightly unsettling vibe in an otherwise calm environment. This is due to the fact that I am comforted by the odd elements of life as well as the beauty the world has to offer.

Your style is so definitive and unique. Has this been a gradual evolution? If so, how has this process been shaped and developed? What have been some of your inspirations along the way?

Thank you! I suppose I strive to get better at painting but don't put pressure on myself to do so. Painting is a creative outlet for me and whilst I enjoy improving, I create as its benefcial to my mental health.

TESCO VALUE, (2022)

Read the rest of the interview with Caitlin Walton in Issue 1 of Obscene Pomegranate, available in our shop.