The British newspaper, Independent on Sunday, did an article on "The Ten Leading Illustrators in Britain". Cutter Gallery artist Paul Slater is featured. Here are excerpts:

Surrealism, Spitting Images and Gonzo Graphics

The 10 Leading Illustrators in Britain
The Independent on Sunday, July 27, 2003

Paul Slater

Since he graduated from the Royal College of Art in 1978, Paul Slater, 50, has seen his work appear in newspapers and magazines, countless advertising campaigns, and in TV shows like Spitting Image. A cover artist for This Week, the news review magazine, he has picked up at hatful of awards, including the Association of Illustrators’ Artist of the Year and the National Library Illustration Award.

Mr. Slater says: “From a very early age, I began to draw all the time and it felt like a logical step to become an illustrator. At first I studied graphics because, in those days, it was the nearest thing you had to commercial art. But I wasn’t very good and proved better at drawing and illustrating. I managed to get into the Royal College of Art and I haven’t looked back."

“Being an illustrator is about more than being able to draw- you have to think sideways. You need a personal view of things, and wit helps too."

“When I’m not working, I paint or sculpt. I’m completely immersed in art. I suppose I’ve fallen into a recognizable style, but I’m always conscious that I need to experiment and make changes so I don’t become stale."

“A commonly held view is that illustrating is a dying art, but that was being said when I started out. My advise is to ignore that debate and if you believe you’re good enough, go for it. To succeed, you need to pursue a vision of the world and never submit anything that isn’t your best.”

“If you produce work that stands the test of time, you’ve achieved something.”