Two-time Olympian Neil Eckersley Went From Judo Master to Artist
The bronze medalist in judo and member of the Art of the Olympians organization talks about how sports and art combine.
I’m in judo. I’ve been practising for over 40 years, and I’m still practising. Originally, judo was practised on a canvas mat. So now I’ve gone from one canvas to another.
I was an athlete, but I experienced a tragedy: My elder brother was murdered. I was going crazy with thoughts of revenge and anger. A friend of mine said I should do something [about it]—”Is there anything you can do? Anything apart from sports that you’re good at to get this energy and this craziness out?”
Read More: Michael Wong Doesn't Like Being Called a Gweilo
Read More: Gregory Wong Thinks Lancôme Buckled Under Pressure
I was always interested in art, and I was a good artist at school. So I started to use art [to vent the anger]. My first few paintings were very red and aggressive, but eventually it started to help with my therapy. To me, [art and sports] are similar, because they are both disciplines. I think most sportsmen need to be disciplined in their lives. I’ve replaced one discipline with another in a creative way.
I use digital, computerized art, which really fits in with my dyslexia. People with dyslexia are often really good at learning how new technologies work. My digital work is more about the energy of cities, while my acrylic work describes how things feel to me in a more abstract and contemporary way.
You know Marmite? You either love it or you hate it. That’s the same thing I want for my work. I want people to either love it or hate it, that’s fine by me. I don’t want them to say “it’s OK, it’s nice.” My work captures a moment or a feeling. If people love it, it generates a feeling, a passion and something they can’t describe.
