Artist paints his way to success

AFTER his business crashed and he almost faced bankruptcy a Warrington man developed his own style of art and is now making a success.
Just before Christmas 2006, Mark Briggs, 30, of Grappenhall, faced tough times as his partnership, which sold his paintings, broke up.
He said: “The last few years have been a real grind. By the end of 2006 I had nothing coming in and had laid everything on the line with my artwork.”
He said that even in the current “volatile market” people can still gain benefits by investing in art.
For the past four years Mark, who has a studio in a converted barn has been developing his own unique style of art. He creates abstract glass pieces with rich colours, shapes and textures that are often surrounded by hand made leather frames.
The technique is expensive as he had to buy a kiln and rolls of leather in bulk from his suppliers in Italy and America. With his money tied up in stock and no orders coming in, he desperately needed sales to stay in business.
In January 2007 the orders came in and since then he has exhibited all over the UK and his work has become collectible in the art market. He has now been given a solo exhibition at Mooch art in Manchester, previewing on March 19.
He said: “At first it was a horrendous culture shock. I sacrificed a lot of time and effort and had lots of rejection but things are really starting to come together.”
Mooch art owner Mike Smith said: “Mark’s work has a timeless appeal that oozes class and sophistication. I think he will continue to innovate and experiment with new artwork that will wow people.”
Pictured: One of Mark’s paintings, entitled “Passion.”