Artist in conversation: Ayo Banton
What initially inspired you to become an artist, and how did you develop your unique style?
My mother gave me a polaroid camera when I was eight years old, and I never looked back. Decided that I wanted to picture the world. Later I was struck at the power of baroque painting and in particular, Caravaggio. Everything is made of light.
Do you have any rituals or routines that help you get into a creative mindset when starting a new project?
Yes, It can be anything. I treat all things as triggers. All it takes is some kind of reveal. Like reading that Caravaggio instead of hiding things in his paintings under shadows. He used shadows as structure. In the same way four walls holds up a house.
Your journey in photography began at a young age with a Polaroid camera. How did that early experience influence your artistic style, and how do you think the medium of photography has evolved for you over the years?
I think the early years has trapped my memory in a good way. I lost my mother when I was 13 but she used to say, “Nothing lasts forever.” I think I’ve taken that to try and hold onto memories in good and bad way to celebrate life because it means you don’t take anything for granted!!
You describe your work as exploring the visualization of sound through the medium of water. Can you explain this concept further and how sound and vibration shape the visual stories you create?
Everything has a vibration. We don’t see it but its there. Just because you can’t see something, doesn’t mean that it’s not there like pain, love or happiness. By photographing these sound waves or music in water you uncover what we normally never see with the naked eye. You reveal these primordial geometric shapes and forms that exist in nature. Put you hand on your hear and listen or feel your heart beat. That’s primordial. Walk past a stream and hear the water, that’s primordial. All I’m doing is making that sound visible.
Can you describe your favourite piece you’ve created and why it’s meaningful to you?
I’ve just photographed The Lord’s Prayer in water. I’m not particularly religious but I am spiritual. Seeing the geometric forms of such a prayer was beautiful and gave me an outer body feeling. I’m also honoured to be The Artist Residence at EMI Archive supported by Universal Music. It’s a great privilege to be able to work on with rare original music Master Tapes like the Beatles, Grace Jones, Miles Davies, Billie Holiday and photograph their soundwaves in water. I’m hugely proud of this because it has such important cultural significance and meaning to our collective memories.
How do you incorporate feedback from critics and audiences into your artistic practice, and how do you balance this feedback with your own artistic intuition?
Good question. I’m very collaborative. So this gives you a better sense of other people’s opinions. I’m from Yorkshire but have lived in London most of my life. We have broad shoulders if you get my drift. I’ve met some incredible people that have been life changing. You must be open for feedback and even ‘criticism.’ I’ve had people say things and turned it into even better outcomes.
How do you stay motivated and inspired despite any setbacks or creative blocks you may encounter?
I have a few (I can count them on one hand) people who are very inspirational to me and I go to them for different things. One is a family person. Who I can talk to about my art and my kids, one is an amazing entrepreneur who gives to such effective advice, and another is my spiritual guru is is the best for navigating all things in life. Without them I’d be nothing….
How do you feel about exhibiting your artworks with The Holy Art Gallery?
So excited! I never done this before, so we all get to know each other, and they get to output their expert advice. In life you have to look to other people’s superpowers. Watch this space!!!!!
Looking ahead, what are your long-term goals and aspirations as an artist, and how do you plan to achieve them?
Another good question…The main aim is to mediate all the work and ideas out with the right galleries, people and platforms. This in turn should connect with the right people also. However, this should be done in the most effective way possible if you want success. There is no point letting great work sit around in the wrong place, like your folio, computer or studio. Ask for help and work with the right people and then you’ll see success.
What role does emotion play in your creative process, and how do you aim to evoke specific feelings or reactions from those who view your artworks?
I think the emotion is attached to the story you are telling. How much it means to you and how you say that story is important. Stick to the truth and be authentic to yourself, the rest will follow…..