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Meet the Artist: Kingmaker


A passion fuelled by a life-changing experience is what propelled Calum Balding of Kingmaker Studio into the creative world. Faced with long days of appointments and solitude due to COVID, he sought a creative outlet to fill the time. "I was aware that physically I was going to be quite flawed and couldn't do things that I could usually do, so I needed something to keep my head fresh - it was of a mixture of those two things” says Calum. We sat down with him to discuss his work and the journey that has led him to becoming West Cawthorne’s first Artist in Residence.


Armed with a sketchpad and pens, he started sketching in the hospital, capturing the world around him. The encouragement from hospital staff, who expressed interest in his work, motivated him to explore his talent further. “They would ask if I sold my work and everything started from there” explains Calum.


Initially, Calum focused on drawing local architecture, including the York Minster and surrounding buildings. His artistic exploration soon expanded to include trees, which he found to bring peace to his mind. "Trees resonate with me in a big way - they're so majestic and they can tell a lot of stories as they’ve lived through different generations” states Calum. It even led him to create tree-themed bookmarks as gifts for the staff in the chemotherapy unit. This act of kindness resonated with those around him and marked the beginning of a snowball effect in his artistic endeavours.





A pivotal moment in Calum's journey occurred when he engaged in conversation with his surgeon while doodling. The surgeon, a member of Castle Howard, expressed interest in Calum's work, prompting him to create a collaged piece featuring multiple views of Castle Howard. This thoughtful gift was well-received, marking a significant milestone in Calum's artistic journey and highlighting the importance of personal connections in fostering creativity.


As Calum continued to navigate his rehabilitation, he recognised the dual role of art in his life: a means of mental and physical rehabilitation, which is still just as important to this day. He explains that “I look at the world and my surroundings in a completely different way than before. If there's a nice sunset or

a tree placement on a vista, I stop and really appreciate it a lot more whilst taking it all in. Mentally, that's the start of the artistic process for me.”





Today, Calum draws inspiration from his surroundings and the beauty of nature. His perspective has shifted, allowing him to appreciate the world in a new light. Whether it's a stunning sunset or a picturesque landscape, he finds joy in capturing these moments through photography and art. “Driving over the moors sometimes, when the colours are so vivid and the light is catching just right - it's those types of elements that inspire me - the beautiful surroundings of where we live.” His passion for the environment is evident in his work, as he seeks to convey the beauty he observes in everyday life.


As the first ever Artist in Residence at West Cawthorne, Calum's first project was the aptly named 'Cawthorne' collection. “Cawthorne is the perfect setting for me as it’s a peaceful, timeless place with endless landscapes, a place that I imagine will remain the same for hundreds of years. This adds a layer of emotion to my work that you don’t get just sitting in a study. The tranquility of the environment allows for deep reflection and creativity, making it an ideal backdrop for artistic endeavors.”

“Cawthorne was inspired by textures of the stone, the muted palette of the grasses, the fields, and the distant tree line. I aim to bring what I imagine as a primitive feel with a contemporary twist, incorporating the mark-making and craftsmanship of ancient times that would’ve had settlements here. This blend of the old and the new creates a unique aesthetic that resonates with the history and beauty of the landscape.”





“I’ve always liked experimenting with mediums; it’s a part of the process that connects me with the final finished piece. I’m always thinking of different ways to use different things other than their intended purpose. There’s a huge amount of trial and error; still to this day, for every finished piece, I’ve probably discarded multiple draft ideas. This journey of exploration is essential to my artistic practice, allowing for growth and innovation.”


“I’m so excited for the collaboration; myself, Rich and Sophie have really similar values and I have endless ideas of what to create from there. Every time I visit, I come away with a plethora of exciting ideas!"


“In conclusion, Cawthorne is not just a location; it is a source of inspiration that shapes my artistic identity. The interplay of nature, history, and experimentation fuels my passion and drives me to create meaningful art.”


We can't wait to see Calum's work evolve over the next year, and you can see his full collection of works on his website www.kingmaker-studio.com and be sure to follow @kingmaker_studio on Instagram!

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