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A
Z
Stephen Wiltshire
Current
2020
list Article list

Stephen Wiltshire

Stephen Wiltshire is a renowned international artist known for his artistic, creative draughtsmanship.

Born to West Indian parents he was diagnosed with Autism showing phenomenal skills, producing accurate depictions of cities, skylines and street scenes from memory, only having observed his view briefly.

Stephen Wiltshire’s artistry started at the age of three, now in his forties he majestically shares his gift to all those who have an interest in ‘the creative arts.’

An artist in his own right he continues to empower with his favourite words “DO THE BEST YOU CAN AND NEVER STOP”.

Stephen Wiltshire continues to be as passionate and dedicated to be his ‘best’, capturing the world as he sees it.

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Much of Stephen’s work is inspired by everyday living, his travels and experiences.

He is often seen deep in thought with many ideas floating in his mind. During these current testing times Stephen wanted to remind himself and others of memories which gave him the sense of feeling good and surrounding himself with all things that make him smile, adding his favourite foods, music, films, American classic cars and of course architectural buildings.

His recent piece called “My thoughts” captures just that, a fine example of his everyday visionary. A small invitation to his world.

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His extensive travels and on-stage performances have provided Stephen Wiltshire much wisdom, confidence and humbleness.

Stephen Wiltshire’s artwork is proof that great things can be achieved through the darkest of times as ‘Art’ is a language that needs no translation. His career spans over 35 years and each day his passion and love for landscapes only grows stronger, his obsession and dedication to architecture is like a breath of fresh air, and his true representation defines exactly why Mr. Wiltshire will continue to engage and motivate young aspirational art lovers to explore their inner artistic abilities as he once did as a young boy.

With four books, a school, more than 15 panoramas which have pride and place worldwide for many collectors, museums, including the Empire State Building in New York which is currently displayed on the 80th floor, Mr Wiltshire shows no signs of stopping!

He believes he can do better, improve his skills and most importantly keep up to date with the latest building developments around the world and share his artwork!

Stephen Wiltshire talks with Make:

What was it like to work on the Empire State Building and to see your drawings cover its 80th floor?

I love New York City, its my second home after London. Since I was a little boy I dreamed about going to the ‘Big Apple’ and seeing The Empire State Building. It’s my favorite building of all.

I was very happy to draw the New York skyline in the very building I love. I have yet to see my work displayed on the 80th floor as I was supposed to have gone in May of this year, unfortunately it was not possible but I am very excited to visit, another excuse to visit New York and my favourite building The Empire State Building

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When getting to know a city, how do you go about choosing the best viewpoint to draw of it?

I choose the perspective that I think will show the city at its best. People recognise my artwork almost immediately once I put an iconic building in and it makes me feel good inside.

What do you listen to when you’re drawing?

I listen to 70’s soul music, pop, funk, Motown. I love the seventies, even the cars at that time and the clothes too! I like eighties music, so really a bit of everything. Music helps me feel good when I’m drawing, helps me to concentrate.

Visit www.stephenwiltshire.co.uk for more.

 

This post forms part of our series on The Architecture Drawing Prize: an open drawing competition curated by Make, WAF and Sir John Soane’s Museum to highlight the importance of drawing in architecture. Entries for 2020 close 2 October.