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Mr Penfold lives and works in Cambridge, England. He is an artist who makes paintings, installations, prints and drawings.

The paintings have strong linear elements. These are gracefully drawn outlines which work both with (and against) the ground. Much of the work features people he has observed in bars and pubs.

He uses screenprints, woodcuts and etching to make his prints. This is a natural extension of the work he does in a professional printmaking studio where he works with many well known artists.

You work in a traditional print studio with several other artists it what must be a very inspiring working environment. Do you find that working alongside other people fuels your own creativity?

Yeah it’s a great place to work, its nice being around other artist. Its good to bounce ideas and concepts off other
like-minded people.

What path led you to a career as a designer and printmaker?

I didn’t really have a path, I finished school at 15 and decided to pursue a career as a artist. I fell into the job of a print maker, my dad has been a printmaker for the last 40 years.

You’ve created work for several underground record labels, does music play a part in your creative process?

Yeah I guess, I always listen to music when I work. I think it’s just that I don’t like silence. If I’m creating some work for an EP the music will always influence the work. You’re not going to stick a robot on a classical album.

It’s obvious that you don’t mind getting your hands dirty whether through painting or printing. However it’s hard to ignore the fact that digital work and processes seem to be playing a larger part of many artists life. Is the computer a useful tool to you?

I think its an easy way to work for a lot of people. You don’t need a big studio or many resources, just a laptop or desktop computer.

I do a lot of digital illustration, but I’m trying to do less and concentrate on the painting.

Which artists do you admire and draw inspiration from?

I’ve always followed and recently been lucky enough to work for and with The London Police. Their crisp line work and use of space has always inspired me.

Since I was a little nipper, I’ve always been surrounded by books, whether it’s a pop art book or subway art, they have defiantly influenced the art I follow today.
I think I’ve always drawn inspiration from the world around me.

Your ‘Series’ project involves the creation of limited edition clothing using a variety of printing techniques. Is design for clothing a path that you feel you want to explore in more depth?

Well we’re planning on releasing some more LTD garment, and we will be producing some very limited collaborations with some other top notch artists.

The majority of your artworks seem to feature portraits of men with facial hair. Is there a reason for this or are you just a facial hair enthusiast?

Haha, yeah that’s true. Na I’m not a ‘facial hair enthusiast.’ A lot of my characters you see in my work are people that I’ve come into contact with.

Most of them are old rosy-cheeked drunks that I see in bars and pubs.

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