I recently sat down with Nathan Wyburn BGT Semi Finalist about his new book Not That Kind of Art and what the future holds…
1. How has life been since BGT (Britain Got Talent)?
It’s been fantastic, not many people get to do what they love for a living, I’m one of the lucky ones for sure. The show gave me a huge platform to get my work out there (although YouTube was doing well too) I still get the Toast Boy or Marmite Man remarks today almost 5 years on!
2. Your new book “Not That Kind of Art” is out now, Can you tell us a bit more about it?
It’s a coffee table book, mostly made up of images of my favourite work from 2010-2015 . There’re 80 pop culture portraits all created using different materials, from food to fake tan, paintings with my feet and even my tongue. There’s also a 20 page autobiography at the start explaining my life and career to date.
3. What good advise can you give to BGT 2016 auditionee’s?
Believe in yourself, take it all in your stride and don’t take any of it for granted. The instant fame is there, but a lot of hard work comes afterwards.
4. Releasing your book has this been a goal of yours?
Yes! I remember Christmas dinner and saying to my parents “I’m going to get signed and make a book this year”. It’s so difficult to keep up with things these days, especially for people like my grandparents who don’t have social media. I wanted there to be a solid place where people could go and enjoy my work – the book has become that.
5. What does 2016 hold for Nathan Wyburn?
Well I never know! The work naturally happens around current affairs and breaking stories, new movies and celebrity culture. I don’t know what I’m going to be doing next week, and I like it that way. I’m an affairs documenting pop culture life as it happens – just like Warhol did a few decades before me.
6. Lastly what’s your favourite emoji 🙂
I really like the monkey holding his hands over his face – I use it all the time! 🙈
I have to say he’s an incredible guy full of talent, I’m excited to see what 2016 hold for him!
Scott McGlynn 