We Talk to Steve Nayar
Hi Steve, have you always lived in Totnes?
No, I was born in Leek in Staffordshire, but lived most of my life in Nottingham. When I was about 18, I used to hitchhike down to Totnes with my girlfriend because her best friend lived here. I always thought, maybe one day, perhaps when I retire, I’ll come and live in Totnes.
What drew you to live here?
Sarah, my wife, lived in Farnham and I lived in Brighton. When we first got together, we decided to do a recce all around Devon, Cornwall and South Wales because we thought let’s find somewhere neutral to live that is not in either of our ‘hoods. That way we can build a new life with each other away from our own separate familiarities.
Have you always worked as an artist, or did you have a proper job?
I’ve never had a proper job. I used to work in Design and Advertising! First as a graphic designer, then a creative director. After that I was a producer for new media company. Finally, I went freelance before deciding to paint full-time. It was always going to happen. Most designers are frustrated artists, after all and most copywriters, frustrated novelists.
Sounds proper to me! I’ve read that environmentalism is important to you and your work, tell me more…
Yes, it’s a very big part. I contribute a proportion of my sales to conservation organisations around the world who are fighting to save endangered species. I can’t believe I’ve been shortlisted for The Wildlife Artist of the Year for seven years running; the first time, feels like yesterday. The David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation that run the event are an amazing organisation and wonderful people, so I feel fortunate to be able to help.
Unfortunately, more and more animals are under threat as their habitat and lives are threatened, mainly due to human activity. It’s my belief that everything in nature is interconnected and if an imbalance occurs it can have devastating knock-on effects. I think most of us are already aware of this. My whole drive is to use my work to raise awareness of what is going on and then to help those creatures that need our support before it is too late and comes back to bite us.
he who shouts loudest
Are your images always big – have you ever miniaturised?
I don’t think my paintings are that big. Most are under 1m sq. But they are designed to make an impact. I mean, they are not small, but I did an A4 painting of an Indian elephant balancing on top of planet Earth as a donation to DSWF for last year’s Earth Day event. It is a completely different approach to paint detail at that size. Also, I’ve finally decided to offer prints, which will make them more affordable for many and for those who don’t have much wall space. I’ve just completely revamped my website, so once I’ve identified the right print partner, I’ll have a link from there. Of course, people can always contact me directly. I’m very approachable after all.
What’s this I hear about running workshops in glamorous locations?
Oh, you mean Artspace in Mauritius? Yes, I used to be invited to go there every year but sadly the woman who owned Artspace became ill, and the facility has now closed. In one sense, my carbon footprint has suddenly shrunk now I no longer need to fly, so that’s good. I still have contact with people from Mauritius though, and I have been asked to judge the Samudra Art Prize for the second year running. This year, they also want me to paint a large piece that will feature 25 of the island’s endemic species. It’s going to be a challenge! There will be a big exhibition of all the finalist’s work at the Caudan Art Centre in Port Louis, at the end of the year, which I guess is the equivalent of our Tate.
What galleries can we find your works in and are you doing the Open Studio event?
I’m represented by The Coombe Gallery in Dartmouth. I think I may even have a one-man-show there, sometime next year. They are a wonderful gallery and every year, Mark, the owner, takes some of my work up to the Fresh Art Fair in Cheltenham.
Yes, I am having an Open Studio this year, from my home in Totnes. And I’m enthusiastic about meeting visitors there. Of course, everyone is welcome and it’s relaxed and informal.
There’s a massive amount of detail in your work, and you don’t have an apparent squint, how are your eyes?
Ha, for now, my eyes are fine, but I do have to get them tested every year because I’m diabetic. Obviously, I’d have to change my painting style somewhat if they started to fail, but that must be the biggest fear of every well-sighted artist, right?
I suppose so… Marketing guru or shy, retiring and hidden?
Bit of both. To be honest, I don’t enjoy marketing and there are so many around, to whom it is second nature. I wish artists could be assessed for their work rather than the number of followers they have but sadly, that no longer seems to be the world we inhabit. So, social media has become a bit of a necessary evil. We seem to live in a society that has succumbed to the ‘he who shouts loudest’ approach, and I’m naturally quite taciturn and like to just get on with the painting.
Have you been commissioned for work?
Yes, but up to now, never through cold social media enquiries. Most of them have been via the Gallery.
I did donate a painting to the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, ‘Jewels of Assam’ silent auction. The people who ‘won’ me, wanted a painting of a cobra for their father because he loved snakes. It wasn’t something I would normally paint but again it was wonderful to be able to help a great organisation, who coincidentally have close links to Mauritius.
Is Totnes a good place for artists?
There seem to be a lot of artists in Totnes and we have a wide variety of different talent on display at the Totnes and Dartington Open Studios. I think Totnes is a fantastic part of the world because it is so close to beautiful countryside, the sea and places of inspiration. Having said that, the place for career artists still seems to be London. I would love for that to change, but the very big galleries and international buyers are there. So, I guess it all depends on what type of artist you are and what you are trying to achieve.
Personally, I love it here and there’s always the train to London.