Angle on – Stephen Wiltshire

Here is our next installment of Angle on Artists! I am completely and totally blown away by British artist, Stephen Wiltshire. He is a true inspiration to me and so many people all over the world.

Stephen draws and paints detailed cityscapes. He has a particular talent for drawing lifelike, accurate representations of cities, sometimes after having only observed them briefly. He was awarded an MBE for services to the art world in 2006. He studied Fine Art at City & Guilds Art College. His work is popular all over the world, and is held in a number of important collections.

Stephen was born in London  to West Indian parents on 24th April, 1974. As a child he was mute, and did not relate to other people. Aged three, he was diagnosed as autistic. He had no language and lived entirely in his own world.

At the age of five, Stephen was sent to Queensmill School in London, where they noticed that the only pastime he enjoyed was drawing. It became apparent he communicated with the world through the language of drawing; first animals, then London buses, and finally buildings. These drawings show a masterful perspective, a whimsical line, and reveal a natural innate artistry.

Stephen did this drawing from memory after having taken a 20 minute helicopter ride over New York City. Sheer genius.

Stephen has his own Gallery in London called, of course, The Stephen Wiltshire Gallery. It looks adorable. And if you are London, Stephen will be doing an in store signing at the Gallery on Friday the 26th of April between 2pm and 5pm. Get your prints, calendars, postcards or anything you wish, autographed by Stephen.

And here are some fascinating facts about Stephen:

favourite artist
Stephen’s favourite artist is Richard Estes. He likes almost anything from the hyper-realist painter.

new york penthouse
Stephen was still a teenager when he first designed his own penthouse in New York.

drawing people
He draws more portraits of people than buildings. Although, he keeps these compositions to his private sketchbook.

his first words
Stephen’s first words were paper and pencil (just like Picasso) and he fully learnt to speak at the age of nine.

just a normal guy
Despite Stephen’s astounding memory, whilst in Manhattan he still managed to get lost and walk 45 minutes in the wrong direction before finding Cheyenne’s Diner.

music
Stephen has perfect pitch and had been endorsed by The Royal College of Music to perform his piano and singing skills. Although, his true passion remains with drawing and painting.

first sale
Stephen was first commissioned at the age of 8 by late Prime Minister Ted Heath.

panorama
His largest ever drawing has been a panoramic view of Tokyo, measuring 10 metres in length. It took Stephen 8 days to complete the artwork using pen only.

words of inspiration
Stephen’s motto is “Do the best you can and never stop”.

Words to live by.