Redbellyboy

Ewan Taylor, AKA Redbellyboy, is a filmmaker and artist who specialises in screen printing. Originally from Aberdeen, Scotland, Ewan studied Film at Edinburgh College of Art before moving to London, where he has worked as a freelance film director for the past 20 years. His work includes TV and commercials, and he has recently worked with Paul Whitehouse, Caroline Quentin, Oliver Maltman and Patricia Allison on a short film written by Nicky Waltham called Tiny Cow, which premiered at The Brooklyn Film Festival.

Over the last three years, Ewan has rekindled his love of screen printing, something he hadn’t done since art school, under the pseudonym Redbellyboy (he’ll tell you where it comes from if you ask nicely). His friend and talented screen printer, Johnathan Reiner, encouraged him to check out Print Club London in Hackney. So, his wife bought him a screen printing workshop as a birthday present and the fire was lit. Now, three years later, Ewan is inching ever closer to making Redbellboy his full time focus.

His work draws inspiration from pop culture, film, Japanese graphic design, and loud music, and is comprised of bright colours and bold lettering alongside more intricate designs. Adding some humour into his work is also a must, and the odd well placed swear word is a constant goal. As a writer, Ewan is drawn to phrases and sayings that will make the viewer smile, and potentially move them too.

“I want people to connect to my work instantly, hence the bright colours and bold lettering. Most people seem to relate to the sentiment of ‘Everyone Needs A Fuck Off Rocket’, and I love seeing a smile creep across their faces when they see it. But I also want to draw people in a little deeper with a piece such as ‘You Are Loved’. The words of which were written as cheeky yet heartfelt piece of advice for my beautiful baby boy who was born in February. It seems to have resonated with people and I’ll using longer form writing in future works.”

Redbellyboy’s work starts life in Photoshop, before being hand pulled in the screen printing studio at Print Club. He uses different papers to add texture to his work, and has recently been working with gold leaf to achieve more depth. He describes; “Seeing how gold leaf changes with the light throughout the day has been inspirational. It’s amazing to see how a piece transforms from morning to afternoon.” Playing with colour is also important; “I want my work to be bright and bold, it’s not subtle work. I’ve recently started using fluorescent inks in pieces such as “Love Lines” and “This Must Be The Place” – if used sparingly, it can bring the whole piece to life. I love it’s neon qualities”.

In May 2021 Ewan was one of 100 artists selected by Saatchi Art to take part in The Other Art Fair, London. FAD magazine underlined him as one of the best five of the fair. He returned in October, when the fair took place at The Truman Brewery in London, and had another successful event.

In 2020 and 2021 Redbellyboy was selected by Print Club London to create a print for the iconic Katharine Hamnett ‘Choose Love’ charity campaign. His latest print will be part of the Print Club Chooses Love Exhibition at the Soho Revue Gallery, 1-4 Walkers Court, London, W1F 0BT from Monday 22nd November – Sunday 29th November.

His first solo show at The Farm’s William facility in 8 Marshall Street, Soho, London, W1F 7EJ opens on November 10th 2021 and runs for three months. 

Ewan primarily sells his work through www.redbellyboy.com and continues to work out of Print Club London. You can also find his work at Artpistol Gallery in Glasgow and Hooked Gallery in Daventry.