Stuart Morle - painter
Born in Liverpool, Stuart Morle studied Fine Art at the Central School of Art & Design in London. He has lived in Tuscany for 18 years working for both British and Italian clients. In 1996 he was commissioned to portray the Princess Royal for the 90th anniversary celebrations of the First Aid Nursing Yeomanry of which Her Highness is the patron. He move to Dublin in 2000 but he often visits Gravina di Puglia, a source of inspiration for his work.
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The Accademia Apulia UK asks Stuart Morle a few questions:
One of your portraits hangs in the Officers’ Mess of the W.T.S. Duke of York Headquarters. It is the portrait of Her Highness, Princess Anne, The Princess Royal. What did this commission mean to you?
It has been interesting visiting Buckingham Palace and get a glimpse of what life could be like inside the palace. I would have liked to have painted the Princess wearing a different outfit, but the commission came from FANY – the Regiment of which the Princess is the patron.
Does perfection exists?
It might exist in nature.
Your work is executed using classical skills. Why this choice? What is the relationship between innovation and tradition?
Today’s artistic innovation can reflect a certain degree of banality, also because everything has been done already. I am not sure how important creating ‘new’ things is - as if art reflected a progressive direction. I believe that the uniqueness of European Art need not be lost and should be cultivated.
What do you like most of Italy most?
All the things that Nordic people like.
What less?
The politics, extreme consumerism, the lack of civil respect, as well as the importance people give to appearance rather than substance.
What is your link to Apulia?
First of all, I consider Italy as my spiritual home (I have lived in Tuscany for many years). In 2005, I was touring Puglia when I stopped in a town called Gravina with the intention of visiting the old centre for a couple of hours. A little later I met some locals in the square who seemed fascinated with my foreign bike. They invited me to stay for a couple of days but in the end I ended up staying on for two weeks. I became enchanted by the carsic landscape and by what is now left of the caves once inhabited by ancient peoples. I often return to Puglia; I have left my bike with a friend so that when I’m in town I am free to tour around the place.
What would you say has been inspirational to your career?
Italian art.
Which has been the most gratifying moment of your artistic career?
It does not exist. One makes a little progress when the quality of their work improves.
What is hope?
Hope is what saves one from going mad.
What is your next dream?
Work, travel and enjoy good health.
What advice do you have for aspiring young professionals travelling around the world?
