For this month's Everyday feature, we visited Stone Thro at GRIT Studios in Manchester to talk about the ideas and inspirations behind the project. Rooted in natural formations, irregular textures and one-off creations, Stone Thro blends painting, apparel and experimentation into a practice centred around individuality. From microscopic sand references to airbrush techniques and sci-fi influences, we spoke about the balance between graphic design and artistic freedom, the importance of accessible creative spaces, and what we can expect to see next.
For those unfamiliar, what is Stone Thro?
Stone Thro is a creative project inspired by natural forms. It involves anything from paintings to apparel customisations and everything In between. It focuses on individuality so a lot of what I do is one of ones.
Where did the idea of creating artwork inspired by rocks and natural formations come from?
Very early on I saw these microscopic images of sand and it had all these beautiful shapes and colours that were all different and their own.
I think there’s something quite beautiful in the ordinary and also the irregular. And the idea of creating work that has all this irregularity was something I found really interesting.
Outside of Stone Thro, you work as a graphic designer. How much does that influence your artistic practice?
Massively. But probably in the opposite way!
I started painting as a way to get away from the screen.
With graphic design you can be quite restricted with what you design or how you design it. Especially when working with clients. But painting allows me to be more expressive and not so rigid.
Members of the band Geese were recently seen wearing Stone Thro pieces. How did that connection happen?
It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.
A good friend was one of the crew touring with them, I saw an opportunity and asked the favour.
I’m a big fan of the band so it’s pretty cool knowing they wear it.
What’s next for Stone Thro? Can we expect more apparel or graphic tees in the future?
Yes more apparel for sure. I’ve really enjoyed getting into that space and seeing how people have responded to it is exciting. You may see a few graphic tees, you might have to wait and see!
Your studio feels like a real creative hub. How important are affordable creative spaces for emerging artists and communities?
It’s so important. So I’m in a GRIT Studios and they have 4 dotted around greater Manchester. They make it really easy and accessible for people of any level of their creative journey to have a space. And to be surrounded by likeminded people is just fuel for your own creative work. Aside from that they hold workshops and drop in sessions for anyone to enjoy which gives back and adds a richness to the community.
Outside of nature, where else do you draw inspiration from?
I love the surreal and watched a lot of sci-if growing up so there is definitely some correlation there.
What drew you to airbrush painting as your main medium?
I used photoshop a lot as starting place for my work, and I need something that mimicked the smoothness and transparency of what I was creating. It’s really good for building that structure.
