In the studio with… Marcus Cope

How long have you been at APT?
About 5 years I think. I initially moved into one of the smaller studios in the main building but due to the scale of my work I quickly found I'd outgrown it. Thankfully (for me) one of the yard studios became available a couple of years ago and I was offered that. It has high ceilings and big walls with lots of natural light so it's perfect for painting.

Describe APT in three words...
Slow. Rooted. Valuable.

What is your practice and how do you like to work in your studio? 
I make paintings and drawings which reference my personal history. I usually have 5 or so large paintings on the go at any one time, along with smaller work, paintings and works on paper in oil or charcoal. I like privacy when I'm working and I usually have music playing. I value time in the studio, and as the years go by I'm increasingly aware of the importance of having time for thought and contemplation. I have learnt to not put pressure on myself to be as physically productive as I have been in the past. Making art takes time and it's okay to be slow.

Which artists have influenced you?
At the moment Frida Kahlo rings loud in my head, the emotional intensity that her work has is rare. I'm also drawn to the fractured nature of her paintings, the shifts in scale, and surreal elements and the connections to her life and family. Leon Golub seems so relevant to our times and his images of violent confrontation between state and individual I keep coming back to. Guston as well, always. I'm a big fan of Enrique Martinez Celaya who paints a lot about loss and solitariness. His show Mariners Meadow a few years ago at Blain Southern is up there with the best I've seen. I also love the simple beautiful storytelling of Bill Callahan and Joni Mitchell - listening to both sparks my imagination when I'm drawing.

What is the most unusual thing someone might find in your studio?
I've got several trays of toys and some board games for when I bring my daughter in - although I suspect that's pretty common among artist parents. I've also got a pebble that I found many years ago. I can't remember where I found it and it holds no nostalgic value for me, in fact I've almost thrown it away several times over the years. It brings to my mind Earth from a distance.


Scroll down for details of Marcus’ current show at Peer