Lee Robertson is a Glasgow trained and based artist. Her work invites you to tell the story – but here is her story, or a small part of it anyway, in a short q&a interview.
Art Pistol (AP): What’s the first thing you can remember painting?
Lee: Al Pacino!
AP: When did you first realise you were an artist?
Lee: When I sold my first painting. A tutor at art school bought my first painting, I photocopied the cheque as proof! I painted it on a bit of wood from my bed – I used to paint on anything I could get my hands on.
AP: How would you describe your art to someone that has never seen it before?
Lee: It has been described as realistic with a touch of surrealism! I see each picture as a scene. I like it to have a bit of feeling without telling a specific story. You make up your own.
AP: Is your work on any famous person’s wall?
Lee: Yes, it’s on a couple of Taggart stars walls. Though I’m not sure they like having their private collections talked about! I had a commission to paint Kelvincourt, which was quite a challenge but successful. I also had a television company buy some work at my degree show which was cool.
AP: If you had the opportunity to change something in the art industry what would it be?
Lee: Don’t get me started, seriously!
AP: Do you have any other interests or talents that you’d like to share?
Lee: Not yet!
AP: Describe yourself in 3 words, one has to be a colour?
Lee: Dedicated, inspired, phthalo blue.
AP: Tell us your perfect scenario for painting.
Lee: Get up in a good mood, I brush my teeth and enter the living room. It’s a bright day, quiet outside. I put the TV on and put on a quality series like Life on Mars. Snap open a freezing can of Irn Bru, have a cigarette and start to paint. I’m so caught up in what I’m doing I don’t think to smoke again and I forget to stop until my eyesight goes blurry. Perfect.
AP: If you weren’t an artist you’d be..?
Lee: Miserable.
AP: Do you have any advice for artists just starting out?
Lee: Try not to compromise, it’s not good for the soul. Research your galleries before approaching or accepting offers. Try not to become too reclusive.
AP: And finally, what are you working on just now?
Lee: Ambition – it’s full of pent up frustration. It’s part of a bigger theme I’m working on.
