Stephen Collett

Stephen Collett has been interested in all forms of art since he sold his first painting at the age of 5. All through his schooling years it was clear that he was destined for a career in the arts. He won several prizes for his work in school, claiming the Art prize at GCSE

and A Level, not to mention several draughtsmanship and painting competitions that his teachers encouraged him to enter. His first larger project involved him being commissioned by the council to paint inspiring murals in his village bus shelter depicting scenes from Risby, the village he grew up in; in preparation for the Millennium which he completed when he was only 16. Stephen finished at the top of his class in A-level art at St. Benedict?s Upper School,then went on to study Architecture at the University of Liverpool for 3 years before taking up art full time.

His main influences are the French impressionists, Cezanne in particular, but going further back, Turner was and still is Collett’s main influence. He is fascinated by his techniques and practices,being centuries before his time.

Stephen now lives and works in Liverpool and has worked on projects with many businesses and charities such as the TUC, NSPCC and the NHS,he has also hosted a series of Master Classes at the Walker art Gallery. Stephen also operates his own art gallery in Liverpool and works closely with UK Trade and investment and the Chamber of Commerce to instigate and maintain international, relationships between European cities? creative sectors.  As well as successfully undertaking several public art projects and artist in residence schemes he was recently chosen as Downtown Liverpool’s Artist of the Year 2010-2011. Stephen exhibited his work in The Liverpool Biennial and now is preparing for a solo show in Birkenhead’s acclaimed Williamson Art Gallery. He has recently also had solo shows in, London, Paris, Berlin, Shanghai and New York.