1 When did you start to make art?

When I was 19, I came back from a trip to Europe where I was exposed to Flemish and Italian alter-pieces for the first time and I began making sculpture with my local council. I later moved into painting.

2 How did you evolve into a professional artist?

Through determination, hard work and belief in the work. I began putting on shows after I graduated and one thing led to another.

3 What drove you to make art as a professional vocation?

I believed my work should be out in the world and not under my bed as it was for years. I realised it was an important part of the process to see the work externally.

4 Explain your inspiration?

People I’ve met, engaged with and seen have influenced my work. I’ve drawn the portrait head for many years. My life as it has been formed has inspired my work in the sense that my work acts as a document of my life. It is essential for me to see shows, read about artists, explore new materials but my work is my own.

5 In what way does your inspiration transform into ideas?

Seeing other work triggers ideas and new methods, reading interviews with other artists has been a great source for me. Translating life experience onto the page is where I’m coming from.

6 From Ideas to production of art – how? And why?

I make paintings out of a necessity. I’m interested in the human image. I see a person I’m drawn to and I’m moved to recreate that image from my own view point. A dialogue happens between the subject, myself and my materials and a process begins. I’m directed by what I see, by a need to make work and a desire to express myself in response to what’s in front of me.

7 Could your ideas be portrayed in any other medium? If so which?

Yes, I think it’s important not to be confined to one medium. I’m currently working on a series of short films that are documenting my drawing process. I’m seeing that the same degree of freedom can be applied to the making of the film. My work is a kind of carving out of the image on the page. In sculptural terms I visualize a room full of giant Heads. I’ve been making prints for many years. I also write and use text in the work.

8 Which artists would you most like to blatantly rip off?

The Chapman Brothers and Rodin who are exceptional artists.

9 Why is your art made?

As an alternative method of communication: The only place I feel fully myself is inside the work. 

10 What does being an artist mean to you?

Self expression, honesty….a person who communicates through their medium

11 Are you happy with your reasons for making art? i.e Are there any trade offs that make life hard?

The trade offs are a profoundly introspective life which can be tough. I love making work, it reminds me that I’m alive.

12 When does your art become successful?

The work is successful if it’s achieved the freedom of the moment in the act of its creation. If I’m conscious of what I’m doing then the work loses its vulnerability and truth

13 What is art?

Art is the signature, honest and true.

14 How do you start the process of making work?

I spend a lot of time gathering surfaces and materials and then once decided on the subject, I approach the work in a non-thinking state. There’s a kind of pulling back of energy, which then comes forward onto the page. Being present is a key part of the process.

15 Who prices your work? And how is the price decided upon?

My galleries, I have no idea about pricing, it leaves me cold

16 What is your next; move,project,show etc?

Entering work into the Sovereign European Prize. A solo show in China. Working in a print studio in Mexico this summer. Finding a space to show the Carrying, a collaborative project I’m working on with writer Kirsty Gunn. Concrete and Glass in October with Saatcchi online.

17 What are the pros and cons of the art market?

It seems there’s room for a lot of artists now but there’s an increasing elitism which isn’t easy. 

18 Which pieces would you like to be remembered for?

For my Heads Series and the Black and White series, for my monoprints.

19 Any routine in making your artwork? If so what? 

 I work nine to five and more often more…two thirds of the day is spent making, the other third looking. Then there are 3 day stints when I’m very involved with a body of work… 

20 What has been the biggest break in your career?

Difficult to say it’s gradual. Receiving great press coverage in March 2008 following Saatchi online and The Gallery Soho show. Being invited to China as artist in resident with NY Arts in 2007, lots came from this.

21 Who has been the biggest influence on you? 

Robert Motherwell through his writings.

22 How many artworks have you given away and to whom?

I find it hard to give work away but have given work to family and friends and people who have helped and inspired me.

Whitneys site is:
http://www.whitneymcveigh.co.uk/
Link to her work on artnet:
http://www.artnet.com/whitneymcveigh.html
Link to whitney on culturehall:
http://culturehall.com/whitney_mcveigh

Big thanks to David Frey at Culturehall

Tags: Whitney McVeigh

This entry was posted on Sunday, July 27th, 2008 at 12:21 pm and is filed under Art, Art Interviews, Featured. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.