Project Middlesbrough sat down and chatted to local artist and musician Stephen Docherty to talk all things to do with his artwork and Middlesbrough.
Would you like to introduce yourself ?
My name is Stephen Docherty. Born and grazed in Middlesbrough. 35 year old and fast getting older.
Whats the story behind your artwork and being artist?
There is of course a story behind me but not yet leading to being an artist (except in my own head and heart) thus I can’t advise anyone else’s aspirations of a career in art but let me tell you where I’m heading and how I plan to get there… My artwork is non specific, i make everything ranging from music, videos, drawings/paintings, photo shopped images etc. I write short stories and I love photography too. In the past few years this has been the focus of my life (beyond my family) and I can no longer turn off the tap from where my ideas pour. I take inspiration from everything life offers and I live for the love of creating. A great boxer has to be a boxer 24 hours a day and I believe the same is true for an artist. That said, my primary focus has always been as a musician and song writer and I have just finished crafting my first album with our incredibly talented singer/song writer Mary Elizabeth Webb. Our band is ‘User Dreams’ but everything I (we) do falls under this too. I see us more as a creative company than a band as such. Much like how John Lydon and Keith Levene spoke of Public Image Limited (see their interview with Tom Snyder -1980.
We want to make music for movies/TV and video games etc. The majority of my influences (musically) for this album have derived from video games and cinema (soundtracks and scores) and our album ‘Fusion’ is a mixture of sounds and colours that showcase these influences.
Whats peoples reaction been to your work?
I would say its hard to measure since all I have currently are the followers and likes on Instagram but those that have heard the album are excited about its potential reach. However I will not stop promoting my ideas, my music and my art. I have absolute belief in my ability to succeed and though thus far I’ve found a series of locked doors I’ve heard the “key” is persistence.
What does Teesside mean to you?
-Middlesbrough / Teesside is a place I love and always will. It’s all I’ve ever known. I’ve never traveled (barring a few holidays) I didn’t go away to university or anything so it’s been my surroundings since 1984 (and now this big brother of mine is watching me). I will continue in my endeavors to leave a mark and help further propel the towns reputation as a place that gives birth to talent.
Where can people find you online to follow your artwork ?
You can follow my instgram page at userdreams.art to follow my work.
Interview by Chloe Tempestoso
Project Middlesbrough 