- Tori Ratcliffe
- 18th July 2018
For people who haven’t heard of you before, tell us a bit about yourself and what you do.
My name is Tori Ratcliffe and I´m a professional wildlife and pet portrait artist based in Edinburgh. I started painting with watercolours back in 2012 and I absolutely hated it when I started out because I found it so difficult! But then I developed my own unique style, applying the paint first in loose expressive strokes and then drawing the details in with fineliner on top. 6 years later and here I am with a career as an animal artist! However, I always make sure I give back to the animals that I paint by raising money for wildlife conservation charities - this is a strong ethos within my business.
We last spoke to you over two years ago, what have you been up to since then?
So I´ve been working closely with many charities, developing my fundraising technique to raise even more money for our planet´s endangered animals. I´ve now raised and donated over £11,500 for various conservation charities through the sale of artwork and prints - with no plan of stopping! Apart from that I´ve been generally growing my business, I´ve had a couple more solo exhibitions in both Scotland and England which were fantastic.
Your artwork involves wildlife and nature as a core theme, and your clearly passionate about the environment, yet looking after our planet doesn’t seem to be a top priority at the moment. Do you agree and what do you think we should be doing more of to look after our planet and its inhabitants?
Positivity is key - negative thoughts lead to inaction! I would like to say that there´s a change in the wind although I may be biased by the types of articles I choose to read and the people I spend time with! There are a lot of issues facing our planet, supporting conservation charities is the number one priority for me as it´s so vital we protect our planet´s few remaining wild spaces and the animals in them because everything in earth is connected - with each building block you take out you weaken the system, risking collapse. I´ve started visiting schools to talk about my artwork and am working on some ideas for schools to get ´naturfied´ - children are our planet´s future and I worry we risk losing touch with the natural world altogether as the virtual one takes over.
Sungai Putri forest is home to one of the largest populations of Orangutans. Orangutans needs Sungai Putri and Sungai Putri needs us. #SaveSungaiPutri sign the petition. https://t.co/Ykr197jF8F
— Tori Ratcliffe Art (@torirats) June 8, 2018
I would like a portrait of my own pet, do you do commission work?
Of course! It´s one of my favourite parts of my job - I love animals (dogs in particular!) so I´m lucky that my emails mostly consist of cute pet photos!! All I need from you is a good quality photo to work from. All communication is done via email or through my facebook business page and all finished artwork is sent via Special Delivery in the post so it´s insured. There´s lots more helpful information on my website. www.toriratcliffe-art.co.uk/commissions
Do you have any advice for aspiring artists on how they can make their hobby a full time job?
The advice I always give (and this worked for me) is to try your art on the side whilst you´re working your normal job/studies. For me, I started painting at university when I was studying Creative Advertising, and Tori Ratcliffe Art just sort of blossomed out of nowhere because there was absolutely no pressure on it. Also, make sure you have a complete online presence. Get a website, get a facebook page, get an instagram... you can work wonders for your career just through good marketing skills.
Are you exhibiting anywhere in the near future?
I just dropped off a new collection of original artworks at the Tayberry Gallery in Perth (Scotland) which are available for sale. I will also be at The Game Fair (at Ragley Hall) at the end of this month with all my original artworks, prints and products including new washbags courtesy of Bidbi which have gone down a storm I have to say!
Where can people find out more about your art and keep up to date with your latest works?
My website www.toriratcliffe-art.co.uk contains lots of information about me and my work as well as my charity collaborations, but the best places to stay up to date are definitely my facebook and instagram pages! Just search ´Tori Ratcliffe Art´
Quickfire Round!
If you could be any animal what would it be and why?
I feel like dogs are my spirit animals! But I always wanted to run like a horse ever since I was a kid so I´d have to go for that!
What’s left to tick off on your bucket list?
Well I finally got my first dog two years ago which to be honest was the only thing I wanted to make sure happened before I died haha! Next on the list is definitely to build a sustainable house and have a gigantic nature filled garden. Perfect!!
Who do you admire the most?
Anyone who works in wildlife or environmental conservation!! @plasticfreemermaid on instagram is also an absolute powerhouse of optimism and motivation to make the world a better place for our oceans.
Would you sign up to help colonise Mars?
Ha! I think we have made a bit of a mess on planet earth, I´d hate to see what we would do to poor mars! I´ll stay put I think haha!
What’s your favourite place outside of the UK?
I am a big fan of exploring your own country - I´m so content with Scottish wildlife and landscapes! But I have been fortunate enough to travel round Italy in a campervan and it completely blew my mind!
What are you really bad at?
Beind careful! Being organised! Remembering where I put things! Generally keeping my brain inside my head!
Which well-known person (dead or alive) would you most like to have dinner with?
Actually cant think of an answer for this one!! racking my brains but its no good haha, can we skip?
What luxury item would you buy with a million £?
I´d buy up a giant bit of land a make a nature reserve! My absolute dream!
What is your favourite cuisine?
Italian - pasta is my absolute favourite!!
What does your work space look like?
Messy! Things get thrown everywhere when I´m working - I´m constantly in a vicious circle of tidying up!
www.toriratcliffe-art.co.uk
www.facebook.com/toriratcliffeart
Instagram: @toriratcliffeart
Tweet