In Conversation with Whitstable’s Aidan Flood

Aidan Flood will be known to many readers who frequent the Tankerton Slopes as the artist who creates cracking portraits, the forensic detail of which is hard to forget once seen.

 

Aidan Flood is one of many artists who make up the wonderful Whitstable Art Society and an example of how it’s never too late to find creative endeavour.

 

Aidan tells CommunityAd that it was only when he was blessed with early retirement that he first picked up a paintbrush, since then he’s been rather prolific in his creative journey. Having moved to Whitstable almost a decade ago, Aidan remarks of how time has flown but he and his wife are still overjoyed to be living here on the Kentish coast. That’s not just because they live a five-minute walk from the inspiring sea but also because the community of Whitstable is full of people who have been “just so friendly and helpful from the start”.

 

How long have you been associated with the society? It’s a great, friendly and supportive bunch, isn’t it?

I think I came across the Whitstable Art Society exhibiting on the Tankerton Slopes in my second year here. I was invited to their next meeting and have been with them ever since. They really are a nice group of people. I really like that the Society is open to all abilities. There is no teaching as such but everyone supports everyone else and is happy to pass on their knowledge.

 

Aidan, your work is remarkably detailed, tell us about the process of these portraits? How long does one typically take?

To be quite honest I had never done any portraits until the first lockdown so I am glad that you like them. I got it into my head that I would do a series of Irish writers and set up my pastels and work space on the table in the back room. I just did a bit every day and it was obvious how the discipline improved the work. I went back to my shed/studio and oil paintings in the summer but I started a new series of portraits again this winter. This series are all musicians wearing hats. I have no idea why I came up with that. I just thought there needed to be some connection between them. I think each picture takes about 25-30 hours before I am satisfied.

 

What inspires you to create a portrait is it the person’s character, achievements or a personal respect/admiration for them?

Good question. It is all those things so first I make a list of people whose work I really like and then I look for photographs that I can use as a source. Sometimes people have dropped off my list simply because I have not been able to find a picture that “spoke” to me. There has to be some initial connection so I’m not sure I’d want to undertake any commissions.

 

Where can readers see more of your work?

You have prompted me to get more organized and get an Instagram account. I’m sure I am like many other late-starters. It has taken me a few years to accept that people actually do want to see my work. Some of my work is on the Whitstable Art Society website and I always take part in their exhibitions. I have also exhibited a number of times at the lovely Fishslab Gallery.

 

Aidan Flood’s new and unseen work will be on display at the Horsebridge from 22^nd June along with many other talented locals Whitstable Art Society exhibition.