Artist Profile - Tony Houlden
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Biography
Tony was born in Boston Lincolnshire in 1954, his parents moved to Gloucester in 1956 where he has lived ever since. In 1990 he had a picture that he had drawn of a local business man, published in the Stroud News and Journal. Over the next six or seven years Tony used his talents to create portrait and character pictures of people to raise money for local charities including Robinswood Primary, Spring Centre and Pied Piper appeal.In 2001 he enrolled at Gloucestershire College of Arts & Technology, based at the Pittville Campus in Cheltenham. Since finishing his course he has continued to create and exhibit, in public spaces and private galleries. The majority of Tony’s work is made using recycled or used materials such as sofa foam, electrical wire, paper and wood. The ideas and themes which he expresses in his work are often based on his experiences in life or events which have affected the community he has grown up in. These events are on the whole ones of hardship and depression; however Tony’s use of humour and caricature mean his work seems to reflect peoples ability to overcome rather than be suppressed.
Artist Statement
”My work is mainly figurative. I entwine memories of my past and local histories in the works I produce.
Many of my pieces have a quirky twist in that they reflect my own sense of fun.
I incorporate springs or weights (or the wind) to make mechanical movements in my work. My grandfather repaired watches and was a huge influence upon my artistic practice.”