SCOTLAND ON SUNDAY March 21st 2010
WELCOME TO MY WORLD
Interview by Ruth Walker
Photograph
by Robert Perry
YOUNG Scottish figurative artist Frank To has exhibited alongside the likes of Damien Hirst and Peter Howson, and has a number of high-profile collectors, including Star Trek legend Patrick Stewart.
He will be taking part in Glasgow Art Fair Thursday to next Sunday, with a series of work based on the psychoanalysis of football culture. To find out more, see www.franktofineart.com.
Describe your perfect weekend
Playing
poker with some friends - I like being manipulative and devious. Or maybe a
saki night, but not the two together: when I'm playing poker I'm in to win.
What would you do if you ruled the world?
Install
some kind of grant system for graduates of art and design courses because I
don't think there's enough support for them out there to make it out on their
own; they're just left to their own devices and I know how difficult it can be.
What one thing would improve your life?
If I took
care of myself a bit better, because I have a habit of working myself into the
ground. Sometimes I feel ill because of it, and my caffeine levels are
sky-high. Recently I worked three days straight.
Who did you last receive a text from and what did it say?
I just
received a text from my best friend Tony O'Reilly saying: "Arrogance has
to be earned, what have you done to earn yours, Frank?" I think it was
because in our last poker game I was quite arrogant.
What's your guiltiest pleasure?
Alcoholic
ice-cream. The first time I tried it was in the States and it was absolutely
delicious - but it was only when I started to feel a bit happy that I realised
there was Scotch in it.
When did you last feel sorry for yourself?
When I
crashed my car. It was very icy, and I drove into a bollard, then a red Rover
crashed into me.
What do you wish you'd never done?
Accidentally
destroyed a rival's work at art school. The caretakers were clearing up and
everyone had their work for the degree show in there. I used to come in quite
smart-looking anyway, and I looked like a lecturer that day - the caretaker
asked if I was in charge so I jokingly said yes. Then they asked if I wanted
all the rubbish cleared out of the corridor, so I said, "Yes, go
ahead." I didn't realise my rival's paintings were drying out there. He
hasn't found out so far...
Would your mother be proud of you?
Yes, but
she worries that I work too hard. She thinks I make myself quite ill.
Who would you like to say sorry to?
My
ex-girlfriend. She didn't always see the best side of me and it's only recently
that I've realised she was trying to make me a better person.
Who does the cleaning in your house?
That
would be me - I'm an absolute clean freak.
What's the most you've ever spent on a purchase, apart from a car or
property?
Probably my first trip to New York on my own. I was going to make
contacts back in 2007, but it was money well spent because that's when I met my
New York art dealer, who now has my work hung beside a Picasso and a Warhol.
What is your earliest memory?
My mum drawing
Mickey Mouse on a chalk board back in the 1980s. I must have been about two or
three. I think it was that which probably made me want to become an artist.
What song is the theme tune to your life?
Seven Nation Army by the White Stripes.
Who would play you in the movie of your life?
Edward Norton, because he has that geeky look, but he can also portray the
tough guy.
Should you vote? If yes, how did you vote?
I voted
for the SNP because they abolished the parking fees in hospitals. I had to drive
my brother to hospital when he was dying of cancer and there were times I was
cracking up about it.
What worries you in the wee small hours?
My next
deadline.
When were you last naked in front of
another person?
That
would be my ex.
Who was your favourite teacher and why?
Simon
Burton - my lecturer in Yorkshire. He saw me as someone who had potential, and
encouraged me to be what I am today, which is an emotional painter.
Who is your fantasy date?
It would
be someone who can outwit me, but also someone who can understand my persona. I
can be fun, quirky, a bit sarky, but when I'm working I can be more serious and
a bit like Batman - I have a dark side, but I only show it through my work.
What is your most treasured possession?
A piece
of artwork given to me by a lecturer at Duncan of Jordanstone, Harvey Duke. It
was a large mono print, and he gave it to me on the basis that we had a shared
friendship and similar views on art in general. I think he saw a younger side
of himself in me.
What do you remember better, your first car or first kiss?
My first
kiss - because she bit me. She actually drew blood!
What has been your greatest achievement?
Doing what I'm doing and not failing financially. That's the best thing I can
hope for.
How old are you?
27