Profile: Liu Batchelor

Im a painter, designer and athlete. My work is all about vibrancy, dynamics and spirit.

I mostly paint in acrylic; at times also incorperating pen and spray paint. My work has an urban pop art feel; with the emphasis on sport, people and muscles, movement, and exciting colours. My aim is to make the viewers of my paintings feel inspired, excited and alive.

In a painting, im interested in bringing out the power, precision and creativity of the athlete, by placing them in a dynamic environment which enhances the muscles, fabric, or body shape; and makes the viewer look differently at the sport and the person. In doing so I also hope to bring unknown sports to the attention of more people so they can appreciate and respect it.

By using vibrant colours and shapes, and figures which people can relate to, i want to inspire the viewer to go out and participate themselve, and enjoy the movement and feeling for what it is. But i also aim to capture enough detail; using interlocking limbs and shapes, that you will always see more and more in my paintings each time you look.

At university I studied Design Engineering; which is probably reflected in my use of geometric shapes and graphic style. Despite always being heavily excited by drawing, painting and 'creating' before uni, it was after a wakeboarding injury that i really became inspired by the concept of creating new and exciting ways of incorporating sport with art. By focusing on what it was i loved about my sport, and trying to capture that on the canvas, i was able to motivate myself through recovery and to remain positive, and come back stronger and more inspired than ever.

After a second major sports injury shortly after finishing university; the forced time out gave me the opportunity to reengage with my artistic passion and begin to take it to the next level. My future aims are to continue to paint and capture the sports that i love; in the hope that it will inspire others to reignite their passions, or to keep motivated and passionate when the going may seem tough.

Stay Strong,

Best Regards

Liu