Richard Levine

We caught up with Richard when he dropped by Castle Fine Art HQ to sign some of his debut artworks. He let us in on a couple of insider tips and inspirations, including - rather unexpectedly - Mickey Mouse. 

As a graphic designer, the artist has experience in animation, 3D drawings, television graphics and illustration. During his time studying at the Chelsea College of Arts, he actually veered away from print design and chose to base his final-year project on a clay sculpture. His work today, he says, is “in between film animation, sculpture and graphics – it’s something you can’t quite put a label on”.  

Describing his work as a mixture of pop art and Op art, Richard is particularly intrigued by the potential of an image to transform through flat colour and geometric shapes. The polygonal mesh he creates forms a 3D representation from a 2D shape – creating something entirely new. His interest in cartoons was sparked during his time as a student in Hampstead Heath. A local shop displayed the infamous ‘Mickey Mouse’ print created by Andy Warhol in 1981, and he became fascinated with the power of imagery and patterns.  

He adds: “I love looking at patterns – whether it’s in wallpapers, or a wacky interior design. I find it mesmeric, and enjoy the ordered, graphic elements. I especially like the work of Andy Warhol, who repeated patterns within his work. Stripes give a piece energy, as the viewer’s eyes follow them across the image.”