Illustrator Benjamin Phillips lives in South-East London with a dog who was born without a tail. He describes his own work as “often cynical and fuelled by contradictions being both sweet and sinister at the same time,” and we’re especially looking forward to him pitching up his easel to offer live portraits this Dec 8 at York Hall.
Alice Hubley, writer and Spinning Yarns DJ asked Benjamin a few questions.
Have you been to the Craftacular before?
I had a stall at last year’s fair which I shared with my girlfriend Jazmine Miles-Long she’s a talented taxidermist. We had such a good time that we’ve decided to come back again this year!
What are you looking forward to the most?
The whole fair has a really good feeling, I’m looking forward to showing my new work to new people and hopefully all will go smoothly.
What special items or deals will you be offering shoppers this Craftacular?
I have quite a few new prints and products for sale. I’ve recently got back into etching and I’m looking forward to showing these for the first time. I also do pet portraiture and I’ll be giving out 10% discount flyers on the day and I’ll be doing live portraits of humans and animals from my stall.
How do you go about doing your Christmas shopping?
I end up making the vast majority of my presents and the other stuff I buy from the Turkish supermarket. So if you’re expecting a present from me it’s going to either be a drawing or some baklava.
What’s your favourite Christmas song?
Mud – “Lonely this Christmas”
BUST Craftacular London takes place 12pm till 6pm on Sunday 8 Dec at York Hall in Bethnal Green. £2 admission. More info: http://www.bust.com/craftacular/about-london.html
