Artist Sophie Casado with a selection of her paintings in Victoria Street. (0799059)
TEENAGER Sophie Casado has been inundated with commission requests since her artistic skills went on show in Victoria Street.
The 15-year-old was recently asked to come up with a host of prints to brighten up Riduna Stores and spent a week painting on canvas in the style of acclaimed street artist Banksy.
Sophie was approached by the owners of Riduna Stores after the Chamber of Commerce recently described the empty shop as an ‘eyesore’.
The works of art were put up in June and have provoked debate among islanders and tourists ever since. Most people have been complimentary about Sophie’s efforts; others less so.
‘It’s a little disappointing that some people have criticised the paintings but on the whole people have been positive and say they add something to Victoria Street,’ she said.
‘Whatever people think, the important thing is that they’re talking about art and have an opinion.’
Since the paintings were put up, Sophie has obtained several private commissions and been asked to illustrate a children’s book by local author Henry Colbert.
‘I’m really pleased about the commissions. They will give me a chance to come up with more ideas and might even earn me a bit of extra money.’
Sophie, who recently had work featured in London’s Tate Gallery, is hoping to make art her career.
‘It is definitely what I’d like to do more of in future. Hopefully I can make a career out of it.’
Article posted on 3rd July, 2009 - 10.00am
10 Article Comments
Love Banksy work and love this young ladies paintings. I have quite a few canvas prints of banksys work which i bought off of the internet. You can get really good bargains.
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Sandra Commes
I also think Bansky art work is excellent. You mentioned purchasing canvas prints from the web. There are numerous copycat inpersonators making as much as they can from what he does.
If your prints are from Bansky then I am sure they will be a very good investment and will be worth a small fortune in years to come.
I think what purchasers need to be aware of is the authenticity of what they are receiving.
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Are those not exactly the same as banksys?
She has completely ripped off banksys bomb love
http://www.artofthestate.co.uk/photos/banksy_bomblove2.jpg
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Josh
Everybody else is ripping off bansky so it is just another drop in the ocean. Until he crawls out from the woodwork copyright issues will never stand any chance in the real world.
It seems as though there is a free for all which is a massive shame. It is doing his work no favours whatsoever.
All original works will fetch a very good price in years to come but with the amount of fakes around how does one tell what is real?
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A young girl doing something she loves and is very good at it.
Take no notice of the jealous whingers sophie.
Good luck to you.
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I don’t think there is anything wrong with copying his stuff. He has an exhibit at the Banksy vs Bristol Exhibition (originally from picasso) that states one should copy and steal art. Banksy always said that copyright was for losers.
People love his stuff so much that those who can’t afford an original can have a canvas print or painting.
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Blatant rip-off of Banksy, but I like it nonetheless.
By the way, I discovered Banksy’s identity; he’s Michael Schumacher!
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@Josh & Holly
The story does state she was ‘painting on canvas in the style of acclaimed street artist Banksy’
Read the story before commenting.
Although not an original idea, creating prints like these is not easy so well done to her.
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bcb – before having a dig at people for giving their opinions, according to the article Sophie herself said: ‘whatever people think, the important thing is that they’re talking about art and have an opinion.’
That’s the whole point of art – it’s subjective: one man’s treasure is another man’s trash. Artists rarely set out trying to please everyone.
Personally, I’ve never been a fan of modern art – in my opinion most of it is rubbish. Still, she’s obviously got talent so I hope she does well.
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Paul Le P
Having re read the story i was a bit out of order there, so you are right to point that out. :)
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