FANTASTICMAN

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

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Mr. DRIVER

PROFILE

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The triumphant artist SAM DRIVER is a great friend to have

Text - ABIGAIL TAYLORPhotography - GABRIEL DE LEONStyling - ALEX WRIGHT

FANTASTIC MAN

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Profile

FANTASTIC MANIssue 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

Deer 2014This 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

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

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FANTASTIC MAN