Ballroom Dance, Caravaggio & Nature: An Interview With Painter Glenn Badham

Leicestershire based artist Glenn Badham discusses his influences from Ballroom Dance to Caravaggio’s “Supper at Emmaus”…..

Artwork by Glenn Badham

SAH: What made you venture from Ballroom Dance and Theater to painting?

GB: I started dancing at the tender age of 7 years and have danced ever since.  My painting flourished after Graduation and a residency in Italy although the two have always co-existed.  I love dance halls and the line, gravity and movement of the figure in space.  My connection to dance has always informed my studio practise though I’m increasingly looking for rhythm and repetitions in nature.

SAH: What kind of impact do you hope that your work has?

GB: I aim to produce work that resonates with the viewer, be it a moment in time, a place, lighting mood or gesture.  I am currently completing a series based much more on our place in the world and the relationship we have with nature.

In particular the boundaries between the two.  I would eventually like to be regarded as a legacy artist producing works that make us think about the work and the world we inhabit.

Artwork by Glenn Badham

SAH: Every artist or creative person has their own process. Where does the process begin for you?

GB: My process starts with sketchbooks.  I look for a subject or composition that can carry a finished project.  Then sometimes I draw from the sketches or take photographs for reference.  These raw materials tend to then become finished oils onto canvas in the studio.

SAH: Do you remember the earliest memory of when you wanted to do what you do today?

GB: I knew I wanted to paint since I saw Caravaggio’s `Supper at Emmaus` in the National Gallery on a school trip when I think I was around 10.

Artwork by Glenn Badham

SAH: Can you tell us about your upcoming art shows?

 GB: I have an ARTSY exhibition in conjunction with the multi-award-winning
Laura I.Gallery.  This will be available to view on ARTSY itself or through my website www.glennbadham.com. 

SAH: Where can we view your work?

GB: My work is also available to view (now Galleries are starting to re-open) at the Royal Cambrian Academy in Conwy, Wales, as a selected artwork for their 2021 Open Exhibition.

I am also hanging in the Rugby open at the Rugby Art Gallery and Museum and will be part of the Mall Galleries Pastel Society Open Exhibition in London, later this year. 

My work is also dotted all over the capital in the Palace of Westminster Private Collection, Sherlock Holmes Hotel, Twickenham Marriot Hotel and many other venues as commissioned public artworks.

Artwork by Glenn Badham

SAH: What are you watching, listening to or following that you would recommend?

GB: I always follow Waldemar Januszczak as he is one of my favourite art critics along with Andrew Graham-Dixon.  Musically Johnny Greenwood and Sleaford Mods!!

My tip for a great little Gallery outside of London - Goldmark Gallery in Uppingham for me! A stunning Gallery that has phenomenal work, educational videos and offers weekly newsletters.

SAH: What is your main mode for selling your work?

GB: My main mode of selling is exhibitions.  I have had 5 One-man shows and these have helped me establish and expand an audience receptive to my work.

SAH: Any last tips for aspiring artists?

GB:  Don’t slack off or give up.  There are huge amounts of people doing this and you will get many rejections and brush-offs.  Stick with it and keep working till you get breaks.