Interviews with the Judges: Howard Lewis

The Ashurst Emerging Artist Prize Judging Panel is a selection of highly respected and renowned individuals in the art world, who cover a wide range of viewpoints and varied tastes for all movements, mediums and types of Fine Art.
 
In the latest of a series of interviews, we ask judge Howard Lewis, the questions many artists have asked us. These including understanding what famous art and artists the judges like, more about the judges' expectations, their involvement in the art world, the exciting projects they are involved in and their own tips to help your career. If you have any new questions, feel free to comment below...

​Director of the Schorr Collection, a collection of 400-plus artworks, predominantly Old Masters acquired over four decades. Howard currently spends his time managing the collection and the numerous long term loans to institutions in the UK, US and beyond, including the Bodleian Library at Oxford University and The Walker Gallery in Liverpool.

You can see more at www.schorrcollection.org.uk.

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The Retreat 1973 by Paul Delvaux

​Q1: Which artworks or media or movements are your favourites?
A1: Old Masters though there are some contemporary works that have caught my eye. Aspects of Surrealism. I think Paul Delvaux is an interesting artist (learn more here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Delvaux).

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Q2: What do you appreciate or look for in an artwork?
A2: Does it move me? You should be influenced by a combination of emotion, intellect and aesthetics.
 
Q3: If realism/traditional is 0 and abstract is 10, what number places your favourite artworks/type?
A3: Probably 2. I try to love abstract art but generally fail. There has been the odd exception, however.

Portrait of the sculptor Alessandro Vittoria by Giovanni Battista Moroni, 1552-3, Kunsthistorisches Museum

​Q4: Which important/renowned artists are you interested by?
A4: Principally Old Masters. Artists I recommend you observe more closely include Rubens, El Greco and Giovanni Battista Moroni (learn more here: https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/artists/giovanni-battista-moroni ), all touched by genius in their own way. Also, explore early Flemish illuminated manuscripts, some of which are exquisite.

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Q5: What do you appreciate or look for in an artist with potential?
A5: A singular voice. Artists should be communicators but all too often challenge the viewer in a rather ineffectual way.
 
Q6: Do you have one important piece of advice for emerging artists?
A6: My door is always open. Don't hesitate to ask me to visit your studio for a chat, a cup of tea and a plate of your finest custard creams! Keep the faith but don't be frightened to experiment outside your comfort zone. The results may surprise you.
 
Q7: What has been your favourite art project that you have been involved with?
A7: This has been the most enjoyable project, if only to hear the contrasting opinions of my fellow judges. There are some talented entrants this year which has assuredly enlivened the debate.
 
Q8: What plans and projects have you got for the year?
A8: Aside from supervising the Schorr Collection, I am mainly involved with OFFLINE of which I am founder and host. It brings together c 30 people for supper, all ages, all backgrounds, boys and girls. Check out www.offlineandon.com to gain a better insight as to where I am coming from and, indeed, where I may be going! 

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Interview by Conrad Carvalho, Prize Director