Insights from the Artist’s Studio: An Interview with Joseph Loughborough

Joseph Loughborough is an artist originally from Portsmouth, but who now lives and works in Canning Town. His figurative work explores the human form. Something that acts as a vessel for further expression and symbolism.

The Armature of the Human Form

At the heart of Loughborough’s practice is a fascination with the human figure. He describes it’s use as an “armature“. Something that serves as a structural framework or an underlying support. It’s this framing that helps to build up his compositions. “My work is quite a figurative type of work,” he explains.

“The human form I’ve always believed to be an inspiring armature to begin work from.”

Armature in the Context of Sculpture

Normally referenced in the context of sculpture an armature is often seen as a metal or wire structure. One that provides a stable foundation for sculpting materials like clay. Similarly, Loughborough sees the human figure in this light. Something that he can use as a starting point. All before adding layers on top.

I guess that the idea of a human form is like an armature for me. That I can put this hypothetical clay on top and see what happens”.

The Sketchbook as a Playground

Starting out Loughborough’s sketchbooks play a crucial role in his creative process. Serving as a “playground” where he can explore ideas. He describes his experiments as loose mark-making. Something that can lead to unexpected directions from where his compositions might evolve. Piled up in corners of his studio, the books go back to 1999. Looking through they act as an artistic journal. A combination of text based musings blending in with sketches filling each page.

Art as Inspiration

These books sit amongst a whole wall of other artistic texts. They are part of a tapestry of influences that he draws upon. Literature, poetry and the work of historical and contemporary artists. We discuss the work of Charles Baudelaire. A French poet considered to be one of the most compelling of the 19th century. He describes the “romantic pessimism” and “mystical melancholy” that permeates Baudelaires’ writing.

Melancholy and Baude

“Baudelaire’s poetry has a sense of burden and melancholy that I find really compelling” explained Joe. Through the years he has collected various translations of Baudelaire’s poems. Finding enjoyment in comparing how different interpreters have rendered the work. “There’s something about the ceremony of reading Baudelaire that solidifies the experience for me”.

Embracing Chaos and Flow

Loughborough’s creative process is marked by a willingness to embrace the unexpected. There is a desire to allow his work to evolve organically. He describes entering a state of “flow,” where the artwork almost feels like it’s making itself. All guided by elements of “chaos, music, and chance”. This openness to spontaneity and experimentation is a key driver.

“It’s when you get to the point in a piece of work where it almost feels like you’re not a part of the creative process – that it’s the work is making itself”

Music and Poetry

Joe notes that music and sound often plays a key role in helping him achieve this flow state. “Music really helps, and it doesn’t have to be a really rhythmic, beatty tune or anything like that. It can be spoken word. It can be like Bukowski. I do enjoy listening sometimes to his spoken word poems. They have their own energy and rhythm that sometimes finds itself inspiring me in my work”.

Evolving Palette and Approach

Joe explains too how his palette has shifted through different phases of his practice. “The work that I was making probably 15 years ago was far more colourful,” he reflects. However, when moving overseas there was a period where he had to work without access to paints. It led him to focus more on black and white and the use of charcoal in his drawings.

“I was almost stripped back to using black and white charcoal and paper, and I found that it was a, very simple and expressive way of working.”

Bringing Back the Colour

In the last decade, Joe has been gradually reintroducing colour. Though he does describe it as being challenging at times. When he does incorporate colour, the palette tends to be more muted and restrained. Often then imbued with what he describes as an “electric colour” running through it to “add some zest”. As the black and white works became more instinctual. The added complexity of colour led to a more conscious effort around decision making.

Some days I’ll just want to make something. So then if I can, it will be a black and white piece. It’s like an expulsion, straight out. But I also want to be able to use colour. So it’s something that I do want to invest a bit of time into. I’d like to nurture that instinct.”

Narratives at Work

The narratives in Loughborough’s work emerge as a combination of factors. The chaos, music, colour and reading. They all contribute to the story that starts to develop. As we speak Joe provides an example from a painting behind him. Initially inspired by themes from a poem, ‘The Rhyme of the Ancient Mariner’. It evolved whilst thinking about a friends experience living with Dementia. Suddenly the shape and the painting started to take a more fragmented air. Evolving from that initial idea and taking in experiences from real life.

Resonating

At the heart of Loughborough’s practice is a desire to create work that resonates on a deeper, more emotive level. “I don’t want there to be a superficial satisfaction of an image,” he explains. “I would like there to be something more intrinsic to a person’s experience of the work.” Rather than dictating a specific narrative. Loughborough leaves his figurative compositions open to personal interpretation. Allowing viewers to project their own stories and associations onto the pieces. It cultivates a more immersive, transformative viewing experience. One where the artwork becomes a catalyst for the audience’s own perception of the work.

Joseph Loughborough was interviewed at his studio in Canning Town on 13 February 2025. This article and subsequent video production are part of the Inspiring City ‘Artists of the East End‘ series.

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