I think it was a rabbit I made from a wire coat-hanger and socks at school when I was about 4 years old. I remember the teachers used to give us a box of random objects and tell us to be creative. It was just to shut us up really. I brought it home but I’m sure it ended up in the trash later on that day. I’ve always been creative but only got back into art about two years ago. In school I always loved lino cutting.
What are you working on right now?
I’m doing some monochrome hand drawings using my Faber castells pen set. I mainly draw people so I’ve been dabbling in trying to create images with objects. I try to do as much freehand art as I can as I work on a computer all day. I studied graphic Design in School so commissions pop up from time to time. I recently finished a movie poster for a theatre company downtown.
What do you like the most about working in your medium?
When I work digitally. I like the fact that there’s room for error and of course minimal mess. But I can’t deny loving having a physical finished painting. It’s one of a kind and nobody else has a replica.
I’ve always been a very visual and musical person so when I’m working on a piece, I tend to be on my own with the chosen playlist in the background. If I’m listening to a lot of Hip-Hop at the time, I’ll go into cool-mode and slap out a few drawings of the likes of Wu-Tang Clan, Jurassic 5 and ODB and then the following week, I could be drawing something like a woman in a field or creating lettering or my favourite movie quotes. It all depends on where my head is at, at that particular time but keeping a creative mind is always key. I find that doodling is very therapeutic.
Do you think about the relationship between artist and viewer when creating?
Oh yeah! I think you have to really. With commissions especially, it’s vital anyway! Of course, not everyone finds certain things visually pleasing but there’ a reason why some things are more popular than others. It’s the same with all types of creative showcases. People often react to something they can relate to or if they have knowledge on the subject. When I’m drawing people. I always make it the prominent part to be the expression and it’s what a lot of people do mention to me when they see my work. It makes me experiment more with styles too.
What are your thoughts on exhibiting art in non-traditional platforms, outside the formal spaces of art museums and galleries?
I think it’s awesome and very necessary. Café’s, Public Houses, Hotels and Restaurants have more traffic than art galleries. Admittedly, I hardly ever go to art exhibitions. The only time I’d ever go is if I was supporting a friend’s work. The idea of being very reserved, holding a glass of wine and walking around studying or discussing art doesn’t appeal to me. I went to a few live spray painting jams which I thoroughly enjoyed where as I went to the Louvre in Paris because…when you’re in Paris, it’s the thing to do. And I found that was one of the most boring two hours of my life. I’d like to be more patient in Art Galleries but I find my art appreciation in books, magazines and the internet.
Contributing to the cause. I know when something bad happens in life for a close friend and I feel like there’s nothing I can do, a little piece of sentimental artwork can show appreciation for the situation. On the other hand, if something good, such as an engagement or something mandatory like a birthday or even the charity raffle down the road, it’s always nice to show a bit of love.
How do you participate as an artist in your community?
Back home in Sligo, Ireland is where I consider my community to be. A lot of the people I mingle with are creatives. musicians, designers, writers, dancers, the lot! I have done a lot of artwork for many people to promote their talents too. I’ve done logos and artwork for many people and it’s a win-win situation because as well as helping them out, you’re building a following and mutual respect within the group. I’m still a bit of a modest soul when it comes to my artwork and often never know what to say when I’m trying to “self-promote” so for me it’s been nice to get the odd shout-out for someone I’ve done work for.
At Papergirl, we are all about the art of giving art. What is the greatest gift you have ever received?
This year, my boyfriend rented a car for the weekend and we went on an adventure to Whistler. I’m a country girl at heart and because we don’t drive, it was awesome to get out of the city for the weekend. We went camping by a lake and it was perfect.
Tell us about the piece you have donated to Papergirl Vancouver.
I have donated a few prints of my illustrations. There is one with a lady and a lioness. I love animals… (far better than I like people) but always seem to draw people. It is one of the few drawings I have made of an animal. There is also one Action Bronson who I went to see in Vancouver recently. He’s a cooler!
To wrap up the interview, if you could be a bike what kind of bike would you be?
I have never been asked this question before! Hmm. I’m going to say a BMX as my boyfriend is a bmx’er and I don’t think I’d want anyone else to “cycle” me!! Ha!