Artist Feature Rikin Parekh Jun 18 2014

Have a look at one of our many talented illustrators here at Advocate Art, Rikin Parekh. We think his use of loose line work and watercolours add to his great humorous children book illustrations. His animal characterizations are amazing and are really brought to life with the subtle humorous elements he adds. Take a look at more of his work here with his online folio. I was born in Harrow in 1979 and I can remember it was really, really hot and the smell of oranges filled my nostrils. I have always lived in Wembley and still do to this very day. It always reminds me of the Muppet named Wembley and I honored to live in place that shares the same name as a Muppet! That brings me to my childhood influence that lead to my artistic career – Jim Henson. I recall spending every Saturday watching ‘The Muppets’ and running around in wee circles in the living room before falling over very dizzily and giggling. I thought the Muppets were all real and that excited me so much! I then decided to become an “artist” and went to Camberwell College of Art and then spent three glorious years at the University of Westminster in Harrow undertaking Illustration. I’d describe my illustrations as hugely colourful, full of life and rather musical with a dash of psychedelia thrown in for good measure. I use a dip pen and concentrated watercolours to produce my illustrations and tend to either listen to Jimi Hendrix, The Beatles or have any Peter Sellers “Pink Panther” movies on as they really help with setting up the mood of my illustrations. I love to draw monsters and creatures. They rule! I’m a member of SCBWI Biritish Isles and am SO proud to be part of such a lovely community! If I could, I would have a dog for a pet. An Alsatian or a zany Border Collie. As a child, I did have a pet woodlouse once. Then I let it go again. I am a BIG movie buff and my favourites are: “The Shawshank Redemption”, “Predator”, “Somewhere in Time”, “Airplane!”, “The Muppets” and all the “Pink Panther” movies starring Peter Sellers.