Pop Culture is such a driving force in many aspects of everyday life. It influences style, music, relationships and life as we know it. There’s something about it being made in art form that truly inspires me.
It seals it permanently in its creation and provides a contrast drive.
We recently headed across the pond via e-plane š and chatted with London based artist Tom Paice. (IG @paiceiano)
Paice is not afraid of color. His work jumps off the canvas demanding your attention with bold reds, pinks and blues. The remixes of pop culture vibes with music and childhood cartoons that we will forever consider classics.
He shared why he decided to pursue his dreams, how The Simpsons had influence when he was younger and his definition of pop culture.
-Tell me your name, where your from, age. Also add any other background info (i.e. schooling, job, family life)
Firstly I should say my least favourite subject to talk about is myself, so be warned, this may not be very interesting. But here goes… My name is Tom Paice and I am a pop artist from London, England. I dropped out of art college due to the intense fear I experienced every morning that I was completely wasting my time, so I became a gardener instead (a combination of the love of the sun and a rare freedom the job provided was ideal). Then, one day when circumstances changed beyond my control (woe is me), I slapped myself round the face and decided to do (or at least try to do) what I had always wanted to do and stop with all the bullshit, lazy excuses. How do you take what you dream about and make it into your profession? You just keep working at it until it finally all comes together. And I ‘m still working on it now. You have to have a dream to chase otherwise you’re just crusing. So, here I am. 
-When did you begin painting? Do you remember your first master piece? If so what was it?
I began drawing at a very young age and started making my own comic books around the age of about 10 or 11 thanks to my love of a famous British comic called ‘The Beano’. Cartoons became my art form before I even knew what art was. This continued as i got older and elevated further as I discovered the TV show ‘The Simpsons’. The idea that cartoons could be acceptable for adults as well as kids was a revelation to me. This explains why my school books became covered with cartoon doodles instead of notes or formulas. But in terms of my first masterpiece, I don’t think I have achieved this in my opinion. I have seen actual masterpieces in real life and I am nowhere near that level, but again, that gives me something to chase and aspire to.
-What other mediums do you work in? Do you have a favorite?
I only work in acrylic paints on canvas. They are so flexible and are ideal for block colouring as well as shading. Obviously, I use brushes 99% of the time, but I also use my finger to paint with. Bit messy but worth it.
-We love your use of color in your pieces. Is there any method to why you use the colors you do?
I tend to just throw colours on and see what works. Through trial and error I have found some combinations that always work (pink and green). But colour is extremely important to me. When life seems grey, you’ll need it.
-Pop Culture is what really drew me to your work. Why do you think Pop Culture is so important in today’s society?
I am extremely interested in popular culture and pop art but this doesn’t just have to include modern day icons. The most important aspect of pop art is to create something that is relevant now, regardless of the subject. A painting of Tupac may at first appear to be 20 years out of date, but the style of the piece can make it become a snapshot of the present. That’s what interests me about pop art, it’s always the present. If you can’t live and create in the now, then you may struggle to find people who can relate to your work. Plus you get to paint babes like Rihanna and call it art, which is a bonus.
-I’ve been to London and love the art scene. Do you have any favorite art galleries? Or artsy spots?
London is an incredible city, possibly the most exciting city on Earth. It has everything. In terms of artsy spots, they are too numerous to mention here. The whole city is like a canvas. From the street art around Shoreditch to the high profile exhibitons at the Tate Modern, there’s always something to see and i take inspiration from this everyday, either consciously or sub-consciously. As a recommendation, I would say go wander around Portobello Market on a Saturday, have a few beers and soak up everything from the vintage clothes stalls to live music. Perfection.
-Where do you get your inspiration?
I get my inspiration from music and from the sun. That combination is like a drug to me.
-Any advice for fellow artists that are trying to find their niche or expertise in the art world?
My advice is just do your thing and see if you survive. I would also recommend not being a dick. As much as it shouldn’t, the whole thing becomes a package. You have to present yourself as much as your art. There’s only room for an ego if you’re as good as Picasso. The beauty of your work will catch attention but you need to think, if you want to do this as a profession, you will need everybody else to buy into you (which isn’t ideal but such is the industry).
What are you currently working on?
I am currently working on several commissions, one that involves a Disney character and another more abstract one. I usually have 2 or 3 paintings on the go at once, as i become extremely impatient once i have a new idea.
-If you have to paint with one color what would it be and why?
If I had to paint with only one colour I wouldn’t be an artist.
Any favorite famous artists your admire. I’f so who and why?
I have so many influences from the art world including Picasso, Basquiat and Lichtenstein. Basquiat’s story is especially romantic and his work is so subversive it makes me jealous that my work will never be as interesting. Lichtenstein’s cartoon style paintings are so crisp and vibrant and as for Picasso, i think it goes without saying that he nailed it. Besides the obvious ones, i also take inspiration from artists like Lucian Freud and David Hockney. Hockney’s later paintings in particular are so full of colour it makes your eyes bleed. INCREDIBLE.
Thanks for chatting with us Tom. Be sure to follow him on Instagram and check out his website.