Meet W.S. Cranmore | Working Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with W.S. Cranmore and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi W.S., what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
It pretty much happened by accident, to be honest. I had been playing drums in punk rock bands that weren’t really going anywhere. I came to the conclusion I wasn’t going to be a rockstar, so, I sold my drums and used the money to start a music promotions company that focused on Celtic music. It was a great experience and went on for several years, but overall, it wasn’t fulfilling. I had doubts as to whether I wanted this to be my career path. Around this time, my wife gifted me an acrylic paint starter kit. It had some brushes, a dozen color paints, and three canvas boards. She said she bought it for me because she could tell I needed a hobby. I never thought much about painting before, but I experimented with the kit and made some art. I still have those original three canvases in storage. The kit motivated me to buy another canvas and keep going. It was several paintings later, after completing a piece titled “Kara’s Orchid” that I realized, this is what I’m meant to do. I’m meant to be an artist.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I consider my paintings to be an autobiography. Each one conveys a time in my life, a memory, or a reaction to past instances or situations. When I was young, I was extremely oblivious to the world around me. I would focus in on one thing I wanted to do and only cared about that. Then when I grew bored of that, I would focus in on something else. I missed a lot of life as a result. My paintings are an attempt to recall from my subconscious life I overlooked. I listen to specific music to open up images, many times creating entire paintings to one artist or album. The paintings themselves are abstract in nature. They’re erratic, off balanced, lacking in aesthetically pleasing qualities, and very busy. I believe this comes from a life that was very much the same. Some people get it and some don’t. Every painting though is me, and that’s why I consider them to be an autobiography. It’s very cool to hear what people see in the work. How it relates to them. My collectors are fascinating in that regard and I glad they share their thoughts.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
The Portland area can be fun. We’re close to the coast, the mountains, the desert, and other towns. While we’re in the city we definitely would have to grab a bite at the food carts, check out Powell’s Books, go to some galleries, and hit a pub or two. Next day we’re off to the coast.-Newport, Seaside, Tillamook, and more. The towns are historic and the beaches are PNW perfection. Next day, let’s go to Mt. Hood and visit Timberline lodge and swing by the town of Hood River. That’s just a start. We could make a whole week of plans and never do the same thing twice.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have to say thank you to more than one person. Starting with my wife Kara. Her love, support, and encouragement has not only allowed me to pursue my career, but has given me the motivation to keep at it. If I ever do become a recognizable name, it was in large part to her.

I also have to say thank you to singer/songwriter Elvis Costello. He reached out to an unknown artist and acquired a painting. But, his generosity didn’t stop there. He allowed me to use his name in posts pertaining to the acquisition, wrote a blurb for me to use, reposted to his social media, and encouraged me to continue. I’m forever grateful to him.

Website: https://www.artworkarchive.com/profile/w-s-cranmore

Instagram: @w.s.cranmore

Image Credits
Photo of W.S. Cranmore standing in gallery credited to Kara Cranmore. All other photos credited to W.S. Cranmore.