Experimental Portraiture with Ink, Tea and Alcohol

Liverpool-born artist Carne Griffiths had a fascination with drawing from childhood, and went on to study at the Kent Institute of Art and Design where he began to explore the possibilities of experimentation and surrealist principles. After graduating, Carne spent 12 years at M. Hand & Company, first as an embroidery designer and understudy before becoming one of the directors, working on high profile projects with Chanel, Burberry and UK stage musicals, among many more. However, Carne missed having full control over the creative process, and left the company in 2010. It was then that he began drawing and creating works in fountain pen ink and water, and accidently dipped his brush into a glass of brandy.

This led to experimenting with tea, and soon Carne developed a natural style of painting that brought his expertise and interests together. In the same year Carne established his own studio, and since then has exhibited globally, including at the Royal Academy, and the London Art Fair, amongst others, with solo exhibitions in Brighton, Hong Kong, and Milan. His work has appeared on several covers of the New York Observer, seen him collaborate with British photographer Rankin for a six page feature in Hunger magazine, and he’s worked with brands including Microsoft, Peroni, and Lakes Distillery.