My artistic journey began relatively recently, and as a result of being forced into unemployment due to the pandemic. I had been dreaming of becoming an artist for many years but didn’t have the opportunity or frankly the courage, until the pandemic forced my hand.

I draw influences from pop art, street art, photography and enjoy playing with scale. I like my artwork to be experienced both from close, and far, resulting in 2 different experiences. Although I have no training in the fine arts and am completely self taught, having worked for over 20 years in theatre designing and building sets I attained a lot of the skills I use in my work, as well as inspired a lot of the materials I like to use. Most of my materials are purchased from hardware stores rather than art stores, or are recycled from building materials.

I make art pieces that provide social commentary, ask questions on societal issues, highlight inspiring people be they musicians, artists, politicians, sportsmen, or historical figures, celebrate nature, celebrate life. I like my pieces to be beautiful to look at, and often have subtext or subliminal meaning that inspires discussion. I also want to make art that is impossible to ignore when experienced. And I like to make people smile when looking at them.

The subject matter depicted in my art can sometimes be heavy, but executed lightheartedly. It is both intricate yet crude, simple yet complex, rudimentary yet sophisticated. A bit like me.

Trevor Cross AKA Smoke Art