By Sophie Swain Stand Up For Southport
Usually used to travelling all around the world, a local artist has brought his talent back home and now aims to share his skills with the community.
Calum (Cal) Medforth, 30, from Formby, is a muralist and painter, with his work being displayed all over, Asia to America, he has left his mark everywhere, under the name ‘Caspian Grey’.
Now, coming back home, Cal is looking to do local commissions and murals for the people of Southport and surrounding areas.
Street art by Calum (Cal) Medforth, who works under the name of Caspian Grey
Cal has always been interested in art. He studied art and design at the City of Liverpool College and then went on to Liverpool John Moores University where he graduated with a BA (Hons) in graphic design and illustration.
However, before that, his mural career began at the age of 17.
He said: “I never thought I’d end up travelling the world.
“It was all by chance and started randomly. I was a delivery driver and in-between deliveries I used to draw.
Street art by Calum (Cal) Medforth, who works under the name of Caspian Grey
“It caught my boss’s attention. His friend was opening a restaurant in Formby and commissioned me to do a mural for it.”
Cal explained how after university he was unsure about which direction to go in, which left him travelling the world.
He said he decided to try out his work in different countries. Cal has now painted and completed projects across America, Europe, south east Asia and India including private and public artwork for local councils and businesses.
Street art by Calum (Cal) Medforth, who works under the name of Caspian Grey
He said: “I’ve recently come back from India and that is definitely my favourite place I’ve visited.
“There’s nowhere else like it.”
His favourite mural lies in Thailand, an interactive depiction of a megaphone, where visitors can take creative photos in front of it.
“It’s my favourite because I had complete freedom.
“Nothing was planned and I was able to go crazy.”
Street art by Calum (Cal) Medforth, who works under the name of Caspian Grey
Portraits, Greek gods and figurative designs are Cal’s favoured themes but he is open to all kinds of projects.
He said: “I’m very open. I design the mural in line with the space and work together with the client.
“They all have their own purpose.”
Each mural varies in time to complete, depending on the size and design.
Street art by Calum (Cal) Medforth, who works under the name of Caspian Grey
One of Cal’s most famous and biggest paintings, the Shenanigans mural in Liverpool took three weeks to complete. The length of time doesn’t phase him though – Cal has a passion for big artwork – ‘as big as possible’ in fact.
He said: “I love doing public pieces and seeing the reaction from people. There’s more impact.
“It’s great to see the connection and stop and chat with people who are interested.”
Street art by Calum (Cal) Medforth, who works under the name of Caspian Grey
Alongside his famous murals, Cal paints canvases and works in other mediums. His recent project, which he painted in India, is now up for grabs.
He said he likes to bring ‘culture and vibrancy’ to cities, towns, homes and businesses.
Opening his work up to Southport and surrounding areas Cal has a goal to work with agents or even local galleries where he can display his work.
Street art by Calum (Cal) Medforth, who works under the name of Caspian Grey
He would also love to paint murals for businesses in the region or help brighten homes with his creative canvases.
He said: “If people aren’t fully sure what they want it’s okay. Anyone can contact me for a casual chat and we can run through some ideas.”
Street art by Calum (Cal) Medforth, who works under the name of Caspian Grey
For those who are interested, you can contact Cal on 07566 890624 or visit his website here: https://calmedforth.myportfolio.com/welcome-page
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