Outsider Art: Stephen Wright

Engrossed as I am by interiors at the moment, I am always alert for the sight of art that inspires and delights – I just don’t have much time to write about it currently.

Today, however, I’ve needed the stimulus of non-renovation project fun and outsider artist, Stephen Wright, has a body of work that makes me feel very smile-y.

I first saw his art in the beautiful home of architect/designers, Chan and Eayrs, image below, – now for sale with The Modern House. Do click the link to see The Beldi, if you’ve not seen it elsewhere – in the NYTimes, Dezeen and many other art/design sources.

Stephen Wright’s work looks rather good on the wall there, yes?

Extracted from Stephen Wright’s website, he says:

For over 30 years I have worked extensively as an artist and designer. Initially I began in printed textiles and then set up my own design company …

Increasingly I became disillusioned with the design world and wanted to start all over again. After seeing a series of programmes on television in 1998 about outsider art, I began working on a life project the ‘house of dreams museum’ within my home and garden in east dulwich. Every surface inside and outside has been covered with found objects, ie false teeth, old disabled dolls, bottle tops and wigs. Together with my hand-written memory boards which recall important events in my life.

I have visited many outsider environmens in france, including picassiette in chartres, palais ideal in hauterives, and the home of bodan litnianski. I am influenced by the spirit and freedom of outsider art, and in particular the outsider movement in france.

The house of dreams has been bequeathed to the national trust.

I’ve always been very interested in outsider art – that produced by those who are untrained or not working to a defined discipline and, often but not always, those with psychological difference of some kind.

I love to see the connection between the unfettered mind and how it communicates visually with the world, providing the unexpected and art that is both fascinating and revealing.

I attach a few of Stephen Wright’s images, below, but do click across to Stephen Wright website for more information.

My favourite is the Big Black Head, last image below, which would look rather good on my wall. I also have a couple of significant birthday’s upcoming this year and art, print or original, is my favourite kind of gift giving – any of these would be welcomed, I think.

Enjoy 🖤