Artist David Shrigley: ‘If Nigel Farage had become a sand sculptor we would all have been better off’

David Shrigley created the latest cover of Big Issue – featuring an orange. We asked the visual artist some questions about art. His answers were pithy

How do you extract the juice from everything?

With big hands and a vice-like grip

and determination

and assertiveness.

But at the same time with great courtesy, 

perhaps wearing perfume and a light blouse

and slacks.

How do you refill the juice when you feel a bit squeezed artistically (or emotionally, or just sucked dry by the general state of THINGS)?

Take a nap.

Eat porridge. 

Do yoga.

Get cuddles.

Watch one of the Muppet movies (possibly The Muppets Take Manhattan).

Read more:

• Irish plan to give artists £270 a week should be copied in the UK, say campaigners
• Nigel Farage is like poison – why is he still allowed to set the political agenda? 
• My Dog Sighs: ‘The power of art is it makes people look at the world in a different way’

How can everyone be refreshed by indulging their artistic side?

Write a play. 

Write one of the parts for yourself. 

Memorise your lines.

Try to use them in everyday conversation.

What advice would you have for people who haven’t been arty since school? Why do people stop being arty?

I’d advise them never to use the word ‘arty’.

Substitute it for the phrase ‘entirely myself’.

“I haven’t been entirely myself since school.”

What’s the most important thing art can do? Confuse, amuse, change the world?

If Nigel Farage had continued his promising career as a sand sculptor rather than going into politics we would all have been better off. Including Nigel.

How do opportunity and access shape art in the UK?

It’s all very unfair. The Irish have it right with their Basic Income For Artists. 

The best idea they’ve had since Zero Guinness.

Visual artistDavid Shrigley designed the cover of this week’s Big Issue magazine. You can find more of his work at the David Shrigley shop

Do you have a story to tell or opinions to share about this? Get in touch and tell us more. 

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