Ivo Morrison, a self-taught British artist born in 1990 and currently based in London, is the embodiment of an artist who uses ink as his medium to weave tales with exceptional depth and colour. His art is more than just drawings; it's an exploration of humour, quixotic situations, unlikely combinations, and modern interpretations of classic stories. Today, we delve into the world of Ivo Morrison, our November Artist of the Month.
Ivo Morrison's artistic journey is a remarkable one, rooted in storytelling. Each of his creations begins with a story – be it a romance, a tragedy, or a comedy. The narrative is the heart and soul of his art. Before he even puts pen to paper, he crafts a plot summary, often inspired by intriguing phrases or titles that resonate with him. For Ivo, precision is key in conveying his stories, which is why he chooses to work with ink. Over the course of a decade, his process has remained consistent, but his mastery of ink has grown, enabling him to tell more complex and sophisticated tales.
Influences: Giorgio de Chirico and Niki de Saint Phalle
Giorgio de Chirico's influence on Ivo Morrison's work is unmistakable. De Chirico's use of colour, lines, and the creation of peculiar spaces have left an indelible mark on Morrison's art. It's intriguing how such a profound influence stems from just a handful of de Chirico's paintings, created in a few short months during his youth. This influence echoes in the colours and surreal spaces within Morrison's work.
More recently, Ivo Morrison has found inspiration in the works of Niki de Saint Phalle. Her Nanas, while reflecting her personal struggles, exude a sense of joy and playfulness. Saint Phalle's work serves as a reminder for Morrison to take his art seriously while also embracing the joy of creative exploration.
Current Inspirations
At present, Morrison has also been experimenting with coloured pencils, which has offered insights into the world of ink. This exploration has reinforced the importance of patience and thoughtful decision-making while working with ink. Additionally, Morrison's upcoming exhibitions in 2024 in the United States are motivating him to create more epic pieces of art to fill those gallery walls.
The Creative Process
Morrison's creative process is far from regimented. Ideas come when they please, and he must seize them in the right frame of mind. Swimming serves as a meditative space where ideas often surface after he has disconnected from the water. There's no strict routine, but the unpredictable nature of his creative process adds an element of excitement to his work.
Palette and Timing
Morrison predominantly works with pen and ink. His approach to palette is pragmatic. He mixes ink immediately before using it, favouring spontaneity over meticulous planning. The decisions he makes while working with ink are deeply interconnected, and he trusts his instincts to guide his choices. His larger works can take up to a month to complete, not because of complexity, but due to the painstaking and time-consuming process of covering a vast expanse of a 2-metre square paper using fine calligraphy pens to achieve intricate, ink-filled details.
Framing: Simple Elegance
When it comes to framing, Morrison's philosophy is to keep it simple. He believes that the frame should not distract from the masterpiece it surrounds, allowing the art to take centre stage.
Ivo Morrison's art is a fusion of storytelling, precision, and spontaneous creativity. His journey from a self-taught artist to a master of ink has been marked by influences from the likes of Giorgio de Chirico and Niki de Saint Phalle with his unique figurative style reminiscent of early 20th century surreal artists. With his remarkable ability to turn ink into such detailed narratives, Morrison continues to captivate audiences across the globe. As we celebrate his artistry as our November Artist of the Month, we look forward to witnessing the stories that he'll bring to life in the years to come.