Schoony; From Boy Soldier to Branded, Hyperrealist Sculptures For The Society of Today.

In this interview, Steven is in discussion with Schoony, who exploded onto the Art scene with his iconic sculpture ‘Boy Soldier. His hyperrealist sculptures question war, mortality and contemporary society.   
Listen in to hear about his fascinating journey and the experiences that have shaped his life and work 
 
  KEY TAKEAWAYS 
Where did the name Schoony come from? 
My name is really Tristan Schoonraad but it was shortened to Schoony at school and it stuck, as far as I know, there’s nothing else called Schoony apart from a malt shop in America. 
 
What’s your background? 
I didn’t do very at school and left as soon as I could. I  went straight into a job working on films as a plaster. My Dad was a plasterer and worked on the sets for films and I worked alongside him. 
 
As I started work my dad began work on the creatures for the Jim Henson film ‘Dark Crystal’ and I was then able to develop my skills in making props. 
 
When did you transition from making props to art? 
I was working with the best sculptors in the world and there was the opportunity to have some items in an exhibition at New Tate Britain and they all sold. 
 
Where do the colourways you use come from? 
I use architecture as an inspiration for the varying colour combinations and effects I use. My sculptures  and artworks are available in varying specialist colourways. 
 
How important is it to have focus and goals? 
It’s important to be able to be a child and have the opportunity to be creative. The education system is currently designed against creativity. As children begin school creativity is actively discouraged and its never a focus for their learning. 
 
What are your goals? 
I tend to go with the flow but I do visualise having a beautiful house so this is a current goal and in my work, I would like to achieve a sculpture on the fourth plinth in Trafalgar Square. 
 
A  vision board can be used at home and at work. Goals can be spread over 7 different areas and this will cover all areas of your life.  Goals are there to keep you focused and driven but as soon as you reach one you set the next so its and an ever-evolving journey in pursuit of your goals. 
 
What have been your best moments? 
Working on films especially Rambo in Thailand as Sylvester Stallone was amazing to work with. Having a gallery show with my works up on the wall was an amazing experience. All the things I have done have shaped me in reaching the point I am at now. 
 
 
BEST MOMENTS 
‘I started making props for films such as ‘Space Precinct’ and ‘Private Ryan’   
‘It’s so important, no matter how successful you become, to keep humble and be nice with good energy as it attracts good people’   
‘I couldn’t believe it, someone likes what I’m doing’   
‘Not all galleries may have the right investors, collectors for you’   
‘You’re never going to do anything because you’re a dreamer’ 
  ‘They’ve really shaped their sector’ 
  ‘I knew I was going to do that’ 
  
  
VALUABLE RESOURCES 
https://www.woodburyhouseart.com/ 
https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-steven-sulley-study-podcast/id1434828547?mt=2 
  
ABOUT THE HOST 
The Steven Sulley Study is my take on success. My view is you should have multiple focuses to be a well-rounded individual. Success shouldn't be just one thing like money, for example, it should also consist of a healthy fit lifestyle and thriving relationships. As a person who has made a success in life and also made huge cock-ups I feel I can offer suggestions and tips on how to become successful or at least start your pursuit. My 'Study' has taken resources from reading and education plus being around, my perception, of successful people and I, know a lot of successful people from all walks of life. My 'Study' coming from my experiences in business, investing, sales (my core background), training, boxing and education has enabled me to become well rounded and successful. 
  
CONTACT METHOD 
http://www.instagram.com/sulley.steven 
  
 ABOUT THE GUEST 
Schoony is a multi-talented artist whose unique aesthetic and technical brilliance has brought the art world by storm. His Hyperrealist sculptures question war, mortality and contemporary society.     
Schoony’s background is rooted in special effects and prosthetics for the film industry, with his career spanning over twenty-five years. Since the age of fifteen he has worked on over a hundred films, his work and reputation for high-class pioneering techniques has reached the far corners of the world.     
He took the plunge into a new career as an artist to share his passion for life cast sculpture. Schoony exploded onto the London art scene in 2008 at Mutate Britain’s “One Foot Under the Grove”, one of the most pioneering street art exhibitions to date.     
His most iconic life cast sculpture “Boy Soldier” first unveiled outside the houses of parliament as an anti-war protest, is now a household name, featured in Hollywood blockbusters and collected internationally. Since then Schoony has experimented with many different themes, examining capitalism and pop culture, with his keen eye and technical ability Schoony remains one of the few artists working within the life-cast discipline.     
Schoony’s career has gone from strength to strength, exhibiting widely throughout Europe and the US; he has permanent representation from Woodbury house and Unit Gallery London. His work has won him critical acclaim from the Times, The Independent and ArtNet News, he is also featured on Artsy.  
  
CONTACT METHOD 
www.schoony.co.uk/  
https://www.instagram.com/schoony_art/?hl=en  
  
 
 
This show was brought to you by Progressive Media