Introducing: SYRETT and his Textures

Daniel Syrett, 48, is a UK-born London-based abstract artist working with a unique medium; True Brit London Nail Varnish, Lucite, and 24 karat Gold Leaf.

“High fashion and Haute Couture are sold through celebrity endorsement, boutiques akin to Doric temples of ancient Greece, beautiful packaging, magazines and of course the glossy advertising. With their themes of intangible mystery, youth, unattainable body image, billionaire lifestyle and the viewers/consumers aspiring desire to want it all. A desire that is not for the beauty of the garment or accessory but for the dream, the status, the tribal membership, a badge that says ‘I’m a dedicated follower’ or just to say ‘Look what I can afford’. We all don’t have the legs for the catwalk and not everyone can attain the glamour for the glossy shoot and certainly not everyone has ‘good taste’. Yet many of us align ourselves with brands because of aspiration, a desire to portray an image of ourselves through products and brands.”

Howl Mag: What goes into creating a piece?

SYRETT: My abstract work, starts in a chemistry lab at True Brit London, where I develop my colour palette and then their technicians mix me large quantities of the range. Then each colour is weighed, once I have this knowledge, I select my range of colours for the particular piece. The weight, fluidity and quantity of the paint all affect how the piece turns out. Once I have the colours working in a way I’m happy, it’s left to set for 24 hours. After which I polish the edges to remove excess varnish, then it is taken to a car body shop where it is lacquered and baked. My new body of work is going to called Exotic Abstraction and I’m working with Jealous printers in London, who are printing exotic animal skins in gold leaf on the perspex and then using a new more translucent range of nail polish.

SYRETT’s latest collection of works is called Magazine and each piece is named after publications that he reads. He is working on a new style of work with fashion photographer Jean Luc Brouard. SYRETT has studios in London and Brighton. •