AN artist who uses unusual materials to create distinctive illustrations will stage a live drawing event at a community gallery.

Carne Griffiths has mixed brandy, vodka and different teas with ink to create subtle differences in tone and texture in his ethereal mix of human forms and the natural world.

After studying at Maidstone College of Art, the 38-year-old, of Norlington Road, Leyton, worked as a gold wire embroidery designer for 12 years.

But last year he took the plunge and decided to try and make a living as a full-time artist.

He will now present an event at The Stone Space in Leytonstone, which will involve the artist creating new pieces from scratch as visitors look on. He is asking people to bring in plants and flowers to inspire his work.

He said: “I moved to Leytonstone about 15 years ago and have found it an increasingly creative place to live. Art happens in unsuspecting places here and there are an incredibly large amount of established artists who call Leytonstone their home."

"I want people to come in and give me inspiration. I like the idea of being almost completely distracted by other people while I’m drawing and then seeing the product later on.

“It’s very exciting and I hope people enjoy it. Being able to make a living by doing something you have wanted to do since you were five years old is quite thrilling.”

“Initially I drew with brown and blue calligraphy pen ink with plain water washes. The use of brandy was kind of an accident; there were two glasses I was using, one had brandy in it and it had a really interesting effect on the inks.

“I realised as a painting medium brandy may be difficult in the long term so I started using tea to paint with. This expanded into lots of different flavours of tea.”

Mr Griffiths, who includes Leonardo Da Vinci and surrealist Andre Masson among his influences, now collects teas from around the world, which he says produces subtly different effects in his work.

Despite selling a number of works during a successful first year as a professional, Mr Griffiths says he is still exploring his artistic identity.

“I think it’s too early days to box myself in and label myself as a surrealist or something like that. I’m still exploring with different materials,” he said.

Eden takes place between March 1 and 11. A live broadcast of the event will be available at www.stonespace.com and www.carnegriffiths.com.