Marders will host “TRUNK SHOW II,” British trained fine artist Graeme Black’s first US show. In 2016, Graeme took a step back from fashion, having spent 30 years in creative director positions with brands such as Giorgio Armani and Salvatore Ferragamo. With more time spent in North Yorkshire, he found inspiration in nature, which re-ignited his passion for painting. Today, Graeme’s artwork captures the texture and colors of bark, representing trees in real scale. The exhibition is a celebration of nature; a meditation on the magnificence of trees. “TRUNK SHOW II” will open on June 10, where it will run for four to five weeks. We caught up with Black to learn more.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I grew up constantly drawing. I loved everything to do with fashion and made my little sister her first cotton skirt when I was nine years old! I enjoyed drawing and painting at art school in Edinburgh but was energized by the fashion department. With my degree in fashion and textiles completed, I headed to the bright lights of London to start my first job with John Galliano. After a stint at Zandra Rhodes, I left London for Milan, Italy where I began my Italian adventure in Bergamo before landing a position at Giorgio Armani Milano as a womenswear designer.
You’ve held Creative Director positions with Giorgio Armani and Salvatore Ferragamo. Tell us more about that and why you made the shift to the art you’re creating now?
I enjoyed my time immensely in Italy. Fashion is a true creative industry there, and it was such a wonderful experience learning to create womenswear with the best craftsmanship and amazing fabrics. While I was working with Ferragamo, I decided to set up my own company with a showroom in Milan and a wholesale business including Saks, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Harrods, and many international stores. While juggling that business, I also consulted for Hugo Boss in Germany. Lots of time was spent on planes!
One of the reasons the East Hampton exhibition is called TRUNK SHOW II is a reference to the many shows I did in the states for Saks. Around six years ago I began drawing and painting and was energized by the study of the landscape around me in Yorkshire. This coincided with my decision to travel less and buy a home in the countryside with my partner. My first renovation was the 18th-century cow barn, which became my studio. I began to call myself an artist!
How did the time you spent in North Yorkshire inspire your painting? Talk about the magnificence of trees.
The house is situated in a blissful position between a lake and moorland surrounded by forests … The daily walks with my dogs Harris and Lewis gave me a constant source of inspiration and time to contemplate my oil painting. I started observing the same trees throughout the changing seasons and dramatic weather systems. I had found my subject in these constantly changing natural sculptures!
Tell us about your artistic process and the materials you use.
I begin my creative process by drawing and photographing the bold trees around me. My oil paintings are not botanical, rather an impression of the textures and colors I observe translated into the layers of color placed on the raw canvas. I like the sculptural feel I can achieve by isolating the tree trunk while leaving the background unpainted.
How did your upcoming show at Marders come about? How were you connected?
My friend Arne Maynard (garden designer) has been collaborating with Charles Marder for many years and suggested I chat with Silas Marder about the possibility of showing in his gallery. As forests are our common interest, we thought it would be perfect to create a celebration of trees in the space! Hence the development of the 40-piece collection in oils reflecting our mutual respect for nature.
What about the East End inspires you as an artist?
Although I’ve never painted there, I’m fixated by the quality of light and beautiful ancient oak trees of East Hampton. I’m arriving with my sketchbook in hand and hopefully will record some memories for the next exhibition!
What can guests expect when they view your show? What do you hope they’ll take away from the experience?
I would like guests to be inspired to observe trees in a different light. I have rendered them in their actual size emphasizing color and texture but also playing with composition. I have hung the single canvases horizontally also to allow the viewer a different perspective. My paintings are a celebration of the different personalities that trees have and I’d like people to take a moment to enjoy them. Think of it as a tree feast!
