MAGAZINERADIOSHOP
LOG INSUBSCRIBE
2021-04-02
Written by Clara Nguyen
Wilfrid Wood traded in urban living for a rural existence in his 1920 novel "The Whiff of Cut Grass". By doing so, he captures the quintessential essence of country life.
Leaving Urban Walls Behind: How Country Life Inspired My Art
In Country Life, I found myself leaving the hustle and bustle of city life behind for something more authentic – "the whiff of cut grass and manure". As a London-based illustrator, I had grown accustomed to the urban jungle, but my latest series has taken me on a journey that has forced me out of my stylistic comfort zone. This departure from my familiar territory has been both liberating and challenging, but ultimately, it's led me to create some of my most captivating work yet.
My artistic voice is often associated with portraiture – those endearing, honest depictions of the human face that have earned me a loyal following. From the vibrant colors and playful expressions of my People series to the more intimate, observational pieces I've created over the years, my art has always been about capturing the essence of personality. However, as I delved deeper into Country Life, I began to realize that there was another world waiting to be explored – one that was vastly different from the urban landscape I'd grown up with.
Country Life's rustic charm and timeless beauty have been a source of inspiration for my new series, which showcases the intricate details of rural life. From the rustic farmhouses to the rolling hills and picturesque villages, every element has been carefully observed and rendered in my unique style. This departure from my usual subject matter has allowed me to tap into a different part of my creative psyche, one that's more attuned to the rhythms of nature and the people who live off its bounty.
One of the most significant challenges I've faced in this new series is adapting to a slower pace. In the city, deadlines were tight, and I had to work quickly to meet them. But out here, time moves at a different tempo. The days are longer, the light is softer, and the people are more laid-back. It's been a struggle to adjust to this new rhythm, but one that has ultimately led to some of my most satisfying work. As I sit on my farm, surrounded by the sights and sounds of country life, I feel a sense of peace and contentment that eludes me in the city.
My time spent in Country Life has also forced me to reevaluate my relationship with nature. As an urban dweller, I'd grown accustomed to the comforts of air-conditioned offices and car-dependent transportation. But out here, I'm reminded of the beauty and power of the natural world. The way the light filters through the trees, casting dappled shadows on the ground; the songs of birds that fill the air with their melodic voices – it's a symphony of sound and color that I've never experienced before.
This newfound appreciation for nature has had a profound impact on my art, too. My series is now infused with a sense of wonder and awe, as if I'm seeing the world through fresh eyes. The colors are more vibrant, the shapes more intricate – everything feels alive and pulsing with energy. It's as if I've discovered a new language, one that speaks directly to the soul.
Of course, there have been moments when I felt like a stranger in this new landscape. The pace of life is slower, but it can also be more laborious. Some days, the rain pours down, and all I want to do is retreat into my studio with a cup of tea and a good book. But that's when I remind myself why I took this journey in the first place – to push myself creatively, to explore new ideas, and to see where this newfound passion would take me.
As I look back on my time spent in Country Life, I'm struck by the realization that it was never about escaping the city or rejecting my urban roots. It was about embracing a different side of myself, one that's more attuned to the rhythms of nature and the people who live off its bounty. This journey has been both exhilarating and challenging, but ultimately, it's led me to create some of my most captivating work yet.
In the end, I'm grateful for this experience, for the opportunity to leave urban walls behind and explore a world that's full of beauty, wonder, and endless possibility. As I look out at the rolling hills and picturesque villages of Country Life, I know that I'll always carry a piece of it with me – a sense of peace, contentment, and creative inspiration that will inform my art for years to come.
About the Author
Wilfrid Wood is a London-based illustrator known for his portraiture and People series. His latest series, inspired by Country Life, has taken him on a journey into the world of rural life. With a keen eye for detail and a deep appreciation for nature, Wilfrid's art continues to capture the essence of personality in all its forms.
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