Spotlight

Joe Gamble

October 29, 2018

Having worked with clients such as Adidas and Cicada books, Joe Gamble is a London based illustrator and painter. His representations of crowds of people, sports events, or landscapes are simple yet dynamic, showcasing the personality of his subjects. Gamble has released three books and shown in various spaces around London. He attended the Bath school of Art and is currently studying at the Royal Drawing School.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and what you do.

I grew up in Yorkshire and for now I’m based in London. Mostly I draw. Sometimes I do books and editorials and every now and again I do some bad paintings.

How would you describe your artistic style?

Direct and flawed in parts, often unexpected.

What’s your favorite thing to draw?

I’m currently drawing a lot from life and recently started drawing more in crowds which is something I wanted to get better at. Moving forms are always a challenge but often result in nice, fluid moments. I find there is a constant change within that, something very unpredictable in the end.

I really enjoy your Shanghai sketchbook. Do you bring a sketchbook everywhere?

I do try to. I take them mostly with me on trips, times when I’m somewhere different to the day to day. Shanghai was great for this. Everything visually felt so new and different. I did a lot of drawing out there. Im beginning now to use them more day to day though and see the value in having that place where I can record with little inhibition.

What are some recent, upcoming or current projects you are working on?

I have actually just started studying again. I’m doing The Drawing Year at The Royal Drawing School which is exactly what it sounds like, I’ll be drawing for a year. It’s a chance to look more inward and find out a little bit more what I want my work to be.  So i guess thats me sorted for projects for the next 12 months.

What are you really excited about right now?

The above. Having the space to learn and push myself.

Can you share one of the best or worst reactions you have gotten as a result of your work?

Someone told me once I draw like their 5 year old nephew, which is probably the best reaction I’ve had.

What kinds of things are influencing your work right now?

Being outside and flat surfaces.

What were you like in high school?

Slightly quieter but would get irate if I lost at football. I would also skateboard and play so many video games my parents would worry about it. Once my Mum hid all the leads to the gamecube.

What do you want a viewer to walk away with after experiencing your work?

An overwhelming need to sit down.