1. FANTASTIC
MAN
The up and coming British artist shares his aspirations and intentions of his work in this 21st issue
of FANTASTIC MAN explaining how his work has broadened in these early years of his career,
with artists Mr. NATE FRIZELL and Mr. MICHAEL PECK.
Mr. SAM DRIVER
Artist
Spring&Summer2015–£6.00/$14.99
3. The triumphant artist
SAM DRIVER is a
great friend to have
Text - ABIGAIL TAYLOR
Photography - GABRIEL DE LEON
Styling - ALEX WRIGHT
FANTASTIC MAN
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4. Profile
FANTASTIC MAN
Issue 21
Sam
In this unconventional piece of writing we look into the life of Mr.
SAM DRIVER and his reflections on his chosen career paths. Currently
studying at Northumbria University; fine art. It was the classic
sentimental education, replete with inspiring tutors that have enabled
him to understand where he wants to be in the future with his visible
talents.
Wearing a long, navy military coat from HUGO
BOSS, Mr SAM DRIVER is almost blending into
the deep blue skies of the night. The statement
of the black oval hat is recognisable. We meet
with Mr. DRIVER outside the BALTIC a place
in which he feels safe. His shoes are RUSSEL
& BROMLEY, brown leather and laced up in a
perfect bow, polished to shine. Double knotted, he
is not one to be bending down to re-tie them, it is
not in his nature to be seen dead doing something
so preposterous.
The moment I catch Mr DRIVER he
seems a little worse for wear. He explains, “I
balance work and leisure equally and suitably. I
obviously want to have fun and a good time but my
work comes first as I am extremely passionate.’’
Actions speak louder than words.
Mr. DRIVER liked art from a young age
and has called it his ‘favourite subject’ in school.
“Sounds clichéd but I have always been drawing
as I have had classmates constantly asking me to
draw things for them.’’ He smiles happily, being
confident and proud of your own achievements
has helped him come through. He states that he
even went back to his old primary school to teach
art for two weeks with various year groups in
the school. The dedication he has is phenomenal.
During his years at secondary school, this is when
his art flourished. ‘’My teacher showed me how
art is a form of self-expression and a form of
self-reflection and meditation.’’ He says this very
relaxed. The words and wisdom of his art teacher
encouraged Mr. DRIVER to begin larger pieces
of art, “I want people to appreciate the time and
effort I have put into my skill over the years and
acknowledge beauty is not always conventional.’’
So, how has he adapted to university
life? Mr. DRIVER replies, “I can see they leave
us alone for a reason, to grow independently into
our own artistic self and learn to make our decisions
to please ourselves and not those around us.’’ It is
pretty self-explanatory, it is about your-self and only
your-self, only you can make a difference.
Mr. DRIVER’s inspiration has come
from artists such as Mr. NATE FRIZELL and Mr.
MICHAEL PECK who create contemplative works.
Mr. PECK’s tranquil and atmospheric landscapes
offer an enchanting escape for the viewers, “They
all inspire me in different ways such as shape colour
and composition they use.’’ I would say that being
an artist you need to be aware of your surroundings
in order to build initial ideas and concepts for your
own work.
He is currently in the process for getting
his work produced into limited edition prints that
will go on display in Moscow where they will also
be on display to show undergraduate’s examples of
young English artists, then moved to Dubai for a
small exhibition, and then back home to York where
he lives. He has sold various drawings and paintings
this past year all through word of mouth. We find out
that Mr. DRIVER is one for meditation as something
he likes to do in his own time other than create
wonderful pieces of art. He states that in the future
‘’I see myself hopefully using my creative talent for
something that satisfies me. I would like to live and
work in America, it sounds fun.’’
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FANTASTIC MAN
5. Deer 2014
This installation was a piece that was created with the intention of exhibition for his
final year project at college. The sculptures were loved so much, he sold them to a
lovely woman in the French Countryside. Accompanied, are drawings and paintings set
up around the installation creating an unusual aesthetic.
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MR. DRIVER
6. Working on his sketches, Mr. SAM DRIVER is hard at work
getting ready for his largest project yet at Univeristy.
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FANTASTIC MAN
