Carne Griffiths

Working primarily with calligraphy inks, graphite and liquids, such as tea and alcohol, Carnes' fascination with drawing focuses on the creation and manipulation of the drawn line. Images explore human, geometric and floral forms, in a combination of both literal and abstract translation and in response to images and situations encountered in daily life. Images are recorded in a dreamlike sense onto the page where physical boundaries are unimportant. His work creates a journey of escapism which focuses on scenes of awe and wonder, projecting a sense of abandonment and inviting the viewer to share and explore this inner realm. Originally from Liverpool, Carne graduated from the Kent Institute of Art and Design in Maidstone in 1995. After completing a one-year KIAD fellowship and moving to London he served an apprenticeship at the longest-established gold wire embroidery firm in the world. Here he worked as a gold wire embroidery designer for twelve years, eventually becoming the creative director. Carne produced intricate designs for the military and the film, theatre, fashion and advertising industries. His designs were used for the uniforms in the films Valkyrie, The Last King of Scotland, and in particular his ‘Red Death Coat’ was used in The Phantom of the Opera. Carne’s elaborate floral designs for Asprey were included in their first ever catwalk collection and his work was featured on the embroidered cover of the 80th Royal Variety Performance programme in 2008. Since establishing his own studio in 2010, Carne has exhibited in the UK and overseas with work shown at the London Original Print Fair, the Royal Academy, Stroke Art Fair, Affordable art fair, the London Art Fair and with solo Exhibitions in Brighton, Hong Kong, Milan and an upcoming show in Hamburg. Carne's illustration work has seen him collaborate with the British photographer Rankin for a 6 page feature in Hunger magazine as well as featuring in publications worldwide, notably for several covers of the New York Observer, English Heritage magazine and for Brand projects including work for Microsoft, Derwent, Peroni, Lakes Distillery and Ibis Hotels.