Stephen has been sober for 6 years, and painting has been a key to his process. After his exhibition at Blackburn Library I met him for a chat about art and redemption.
A cold walk through the center of Blackburn led me once more to the public library. This building, a refuge of letters and tranquility, once again lent me its halls and corridors for a short excursion while the rain let up. Climbing up the spiral staircase, around an ancient lift, I found myself walking down a hallway lined with several familiar faces.
The eyes of characters like Bowie, Iggy, or Jarvis Cocker followed me from their frames, welcoming me to this tribute made with brushes and canvases. This collection, as a tribute to rock n’ roll, also included the likes of Dave Grohl and Johnny Rotten.
Upon finding the review by its author, Stephen Gent, I discovered a fascinating story of redemption through painting. Wanting to know a little more, I contacted him, and he kindly received me for a pleasant conversation about his history. Arriving at his home and workshop on Smalley Way, his companion, a friendly border collie, welcomed me into a lounge surrounded by portraits.
M: First of all, I would like to ask you for a little introduction, and I can ask you a couple of questions from that
S.G: My name is Stephen Gent. I’m 62. I’m a recovering alcoholic who’s been drying out for six years. I taught myself to paint about four years ago, never had a lesson before in my life, and just thought to do it for something to do to keep me sober.
M: I saw in the exhibition that I found in the Blackburn Library that you are self-taught. That was one of the main things that interest me. So, I’d like to ask you about the decision of grabbing the brushes again. When was that and how did you start your first works? What was the content of those first paintings?
S.G: I used to like drawing when I was young and when I went to detox, I started drawing there. And when I came out, I carried it on drawing. Last year, about two years, I just got fed up with drawing, so I just tried something else. So, I tried watercolours and that didn’t seem to work. And then I tried acrylics and I stuck with them ever since. Early paintings were rockstar faces, people who I grew up with, like Bowie or Iggy, people I used to see live.
M: What about the creativity process. When you start a new painting what is the process for you? How do you get ready your space to focus into your work?
S.G: Well, I’m not really sure about this being self-taught. I just take it as it goes along. But I search for images on Pinterest and where the royalty free and places like that, and then I just come across something I think, «well, that looks like a good picture». I start from that; I draw it and then just build it up. Not all of them work, so I just keep it like that.
M: One of the main things that caught my eye with the exhibition was the musical content of it. Is music an important part of your process as well. You listen to records while you’re painting? is music a company for you while you’re working here?
S.G: I listen mostly to radio or put something on YouTube and play the videos on that. And music. I always have music in the background when I’m painting.
M: I saw that Bowie is a main theme in your collection. Would you say that he’s your favourite artist?
S.G: Yeah, Bowie is one of my favourite artists. I grew up listening to him and I saw him live five or six times. I used to travel to London and places like that and have a big party. I just love the seventies.
M: Any favourite album by Bowie?
S.G: I like Hunky Dory best. I like the really old stuff.
M: I know that painting was part of your recovery process. How art can be helpful for people who are dealing with addictions or mental issues? How can art be an escape from those kinds of issues that are so common these days?
S.G: Yeah, it was a massive help for me, art. I needed something to take the place of going to the pub because all my friends were doing that. I had to change my life totally, changing all around. So, drawing helped with that. And then when I started painting I just did it every day. I still do. A couple of hours every day. It’s just a great way to relax. You just forget about everything, and it is a great help for people with mental health issues and things like that.
M: Where the people can find your work or contact you?
S.G: Well, I’m on Facebook with Stephen gent Art. Mostly. If you want any inquiries Facebook is best.
Thanks to Stephen for allowing this note and a call to those who are going through a difficult time: Put on a good song, grab a brush or pencil, and let art be the first step to a change of course. Better days are yet to come!
You can contact Stephen and discover his amazing work on facebook, whatsapp or email: ste.gent@outlook.com.
