Billy Connolly reflects on memories of youth in new artworks
The Big Yin said: 'These artworks are my youth as I'd like it to have been, but it wasn't.
"I would have loved to have been a Teddy Boy, but I was too young and my parents wouldn't let me do it. It's the worst reason not to be a Teddy Boy – because your parents won't let you!'
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He added: 'Michael Parkinson used to love calling me 'windswept and interesting'."
But it was Scottish folk singer and songwriter Archie Fisher that coined the description of the comedian many years ago when Sir Billy was performing at Methil Steelworks Club in Fife. He was wearing white velvet flared trousers when Archie said, 'You're looking windswept and interesting'.
'I thought 'Yes! That will do me',' Sir Billy said. 'And that's been me ever since.'
Since this moment, Sir Billy – now 82 - has made it his mission to live up to the title. The phrase has followed him throughout his remarkable career, providing guidance for his attitude, outlook, and of course, style.
Billy Connolly - Windswept & Interesting artworks (Image: Castle Fine Art) The Big Yin has made many memorable style statements over the last 60 years – from black leotards and banana boots to outrageously patterned shirts and suits.
Fashion has always been a huge part of his on-stage presence, and Sir Billy's new collection of artwork explores his early style influences.
Sir Billy decorates the character's suit with his signature line work – a nod to his disregard for conventionality and love of pattern, colour and clashing socks. The detailing is added to the stainless-steel sculpture in the form of texture, bringing the character to life.
Sir Billy said: 'This is me, as I see myself, and I'm so proud of him.'
The Windswept & Interesting collection will be available from today (Friday) at castlefineart.com and in their nationwide UK galleries.
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North Wales Chronicle
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The 82-year-old has released four new limited edition works under his Born On A Rainy Day series, via Castle Fine Art, recalling some of the fondest memories from his life. One of the pieces, named Saturday Night, shows a piano player in action, with Sir Billy saying the character in his piece 'does that leg thing which is pure Elton'. Speaking about opening for the Rocket Man singer in 1976, he added: 'It was that point of the show where he backheeled the stool and it tumbled off the stage. The roadies all dived so that it didn't break. 'I saw Elton lately and he was better than I've ever seen him. He's an amazing performer.' Sir Billy, who began drawing in 2007 and has built a name for himself as an artist since his retirement from comedy in 2018, has also released Sausage Tree, which reflects on his childhood, Sunburned, which depicts a sunburned Scottish man, and Fly Away Peter, which shows a multicoloured figure surrounded by birds. The Glasgow-born star added: 'It's taken me years to call my art beautiful, I would never dream of saying it before for the chance that somebody would say, 'it's crap, you're no good', but I'm quite good. 'I can make people smile and feel happy. It's great.' Earlier this month, Sir Billy warned fans about scammers impersonating him online, telling them he and his wife, Pamela Stephenson, had been impersonated using artificial intelligence. He said scammers had been 'impersonating me, often reaching out to fans soliciting direct messaging', adding there 'could well be criminal intent'. Sir Billy has continued to record TV programmes since his retirement, with his most recent projects including shows such as 2018's Billy Connolly: Made In Scotland, Billy Connolly's Great American Trail in 2019, and Billy Connolly Does…, which began airing in 2022. The new pieces are available from Castle Fine Art from 8am on Friday.
Glasgow Times
32 minutes ago
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Billy Connolly speaks about Elton John's inspiration as he releases new artwork
The 82-year-old has released four new limited edition works under his Born On A Rainy Day series, via Castle Fine Art, recalling some of the fondest memories from his life. One of the pieces, named Saturday Night, shows a piano player in action, with Sir Billy saying the character in his piece 'does that leg thing which is pure Elton'. Speaking about opening for the Rocket Man singer in 1976, he added: 'It was that point of the show where he backheeled the stool and it tumbled off the stage. The roadies all dived so that it didn't break. 'I saw Elton lately and he was better than I've ever seen him. He's an amazing performer.' Sir Billy, who began drawing in 2007 and has built a name for himself as an artist since his retirement from comedy in 2018, has also released Sausage Tree, which reflects on his childhood, Sunburned, which depicts a sunburned Scottish man, and Fly Away Peter, which shows a multicoloured figure surrounded by birds. The Glasgow-born star added: 'It's taken me years to call my art beautiful, I would never dream of saying it before for the chance that somebody would say, 'it's crap, you're no good', but I'm quite good. 'I can make people smile and feel happy. It's great.' Earlier this month, Sir Billy warned fans about scammers impersonating him online, telling them he and his wife, Pamela Stephenson, had been impersonated using artificial intelligence. He said scammers had been 'impersonating me, often reaching out to fans soliciting direct messaging', adding there 'could well be criminal intent'. Sir Billy has continued to record TV programmes since his retirement, with his most recent projects including shows such as 2018's Billy Connolly: Made In Scotland, Billy Connolly's Great American Trail in 2019, and Billy Connolly Does…, which began airing in 2022. The new pieces are available from Castle Fine Art from 8am on Friday.
Evening Standard
2 hours ago
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Billy Connolly speaks about Elton John's inspiration as he releases new artwork
Sir Billy, who began drawing in 2007 and has built a name for himself as an artist since his retirement from comedy in 2018, has also released Sausage Tree, which reflects on his childhood, Sunburned, which depicts a sunburned Scottish man, and Fly Away Peter, which shows a multicoloured figure surrounded by birds.
