We talk to Dave Ratcliffe at House of Pop!

Hi Dave, it’s great to have you as part of AOH – how many times have you taken part?
I have done the May AOH about 3 times, but this is my first time at Christmas , which works perfectly for me as I always go for it with the decorations.

Can you tell us a bit about your back ground – in music and chocolate! – and how you came to be a full-time artist and illustrator?
After my degree in Fine Art, I moved to Brighton in the early 90s and tried several different careers- fashion design, go-go dancer, even a Pop star ( there are still a few videos on u-tube), until I eventually started at Choccywoccydoodah, where I created outrageous chocolate sculptures for the window displays and celebrities. Sadly, Choccy closed down 4 years ago. I had always been doing my own art and murals in my spare time, so now was the time to go full time. It was a very dodgy start, but gets better every year.

Which artists are your greatest influence?
I love the art of traditional fairground artists like Joby Carter and George Hebborn, whose work can be found on Brighton pier.

What do you like best about taking part in AOH?
The best part of showing in my own house for AOH, is that my home, like my art, is very brightly coloured, which makes the show into a huge art installation with blue gold and pink walls to hang my work on. I can often hear people gasping wow! As they enter my show, it’s a great reaction!

House of Pop!
Flat 1, 27 New Steine, Brighton, BN2 1PD
www.davepopart.com
instagram@davepopart

All photos: Syl Ojalla @brighton_photography_studio