Vince Ray exhibition photo by Andy Tompkins and Rebecca Snotflower

Rock and Roll Voodoo

HOT reporter Bevali Francis meets low-brow artist Vince Ray…

I met Vince at his latest exhibition at the Susan Diamond Gallery in Kings Road, St Leonards-on-Sea. I must admit to being a little bit awestruck to meet Vince because I love his work – and his latest art does not disappoint – if I had the money I’d buy it all! I particularly liked the comic book entitled The Weird and Twisted Tale of Vince Ray and I have my eye on a print titled the Killer Stiletto.  There are a lot of fab things to covet.

Vince Ray prints. Photo by Andy Tompkins

I asked Vince how long he has been an artist; his answer “All me life unfortunately! I have always loved drawing and can’t remember a time when I did not draw. I started my paid career as a partner in a sign writing and interior decorating business I found myself designing a comic for Ann Summers and things just carried on from there. I guess I was in the right place at the right time.

Vince Ray photo by Andy Tompkins.

My work is inspired by tattoos, B Movies and music. I am the English version of the American artist Coop. I like to exhibit my work in small venues such as this or cafes and bars as it suits my work, I’m not a fan of big galleries.

I used to live in London but left two years ago as I just got tired of it and wanted to live near the sea. Hastings won me over because I find the history of the place fascinating and I live near the castle which I’m obsessed with finding out as much as I can about it. I also fell in love with Alexandra Park; I love the way it starts of as formal gardens then metamorph’s into wilder planting.  It’s the nicest park I have ever been to. I used to love going to Highbury Fields in London and Springfield Park, but Alexandra Park takes some beating.

Hastings also has one of the best music scenes and you can go and see live music seven days a week if you want to. Art is my life style and Hastings fits with that.”

I left with the opening party in full swing. Well done to all a great event.

The exhibition runs until Thursday 19 June and is not to be missed. Susan Diamond is at 22 Kings Road, St Leonards-on-Sea.

Check out more of Vince’s work on his website.

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