Gorillas and Buffalos: 5 minutes with local artist Miles Hart

I've been talking to local artist Miles Hart about his work, the art scene in Caerdydd, and a new exhibition that will bring out the David Attenborough in you.

CS: Describe your work in 5 words.

MH: Zoologically geometric nuggets of grim.

CS: Nice! As you know this blog is about the story of Cardiff; what's it like being a practising artist in this fine city?

MH: I think opportunities for the up-and-coming artist as well as the professional in Cardiff are growing. With Cardiff School of Art and Design dishing out some real talent we're catching up with other cultural cities such as Manchester and Bristol. There are always local projects to get your teeth into and exhibition space seems to be popping up in every dark corner.

CS: So how do people get a look at some of the art that locals are putting out?

MH: There are several magazines that are well worth checking out. Designer Violence is an open submission zine with a different theme in each issue, giving local artists a chance to show off their creations. Most of the trendy bars in the area such as Milgi's or Buffalo's stock it. Talking of trendy bars, there's always a good shin-dig at the Cardiff Arts Institute. They offer a wicked space for local artists to show their work, while the regular club nights combine the disciplines of drawing and throwing shapes.

CS: As long as someone's rocking the classic 'big fish/little fish/cardboard box', I'm happy. Now, tell me about your latest exhibition, COLONY.

MH: Can words alone really describe COLONY? Basically Nick Robertson (aka Morris) and I have been working hard over the last year attempting to depict our view of the world onto paper using nothing but a pencil and certainly in my case, some sore-eyed Photoshop hours. We perhaps have a slightly warped view of our society, and share a utopian vision that questions mankind's perceived dominance over nature while exploring the relationship between natural form and popular culture. We've rounded up a selection of other artists local to the area who share similar ideologies to help in kitting out the CAI and put on a show which is best described as a little bit sexy and a little bit scary.

CS: Sounds good! Now, the final and perhaps most important question - FIFA or Pro Evo?

MH: FIFA obviously, unless you're 11 or happy with Ryan Giggs being called Ryan Goggs.

CS: Right answer. Cheers Miles!

If you like the look of Miles's work, check out his blog, where you can peruse his other designs and buy a snazzy t-shirt at a very reasonable price! Details about the upcoming COLONY exhibition will no doubt be posted there soon.

Finally, keep your eyes peeled for a Cardiff Stories collaboration with Bicycle Bicycle Designs, where Miles and I will endeavour to create an uber-cool artwork based on the city. Sayonara!