Can you share as much as possible about the piece, any inspirations, how you came up with the concept, what you were doing while creating the artwork etc?
This is another one of those ideas that just popped into my head, and I instantly knew I had to do it. Maybe I’ve been reading too much Chuck Klosterman, but the idea of a mix tape evoking a specific message (in this case a sad plea to not be forgotten in this era of MP3s) really got to me. I think that it speaks to the nature of technology, and the piles of physical things that get left behind as we “evolve”. Think of all the thrift stores and basements teeming with old tapes. They’re doomed. It’s also a bit of a nod to the 80s, because, hey, who doesn’t love a little 80s nostalgia?
If you were to describe your work to someone who’s never seen it, what would you say?
I usually say that I paint pop culture and politicos, that is to say, I love referencing quirky things that we’re all familiar with, but also sometimes create work that has a lot of social commentary in it. The piece that I think best references these two sides of me is ‘Hot Topic’, a 60-part series in which I painted a portrait of every person listed in the Le Tigre song of the same name (because if we don’t celebrate our own cultural heroes, who will?).
What’s your creative process when producing a piece of art?
I get a flash of an image that I want to create in my head. I am trying to get better with sketching, because for a long time I didn’t really do it. I would just get this clear image of what I wanted and sit down and start. Lately, though, as I’ve been getting more into illustration, I’ve realized how valuable sketches are.
Could you share an image of one of your latest sketches?
My favourite artist recently told me that if I wanted to be better, I should draw one person from the newspaper every day. Good advice! So here’s my first effort: Rootin’ Tootin’ Putin.
Would you share three unique things in your workspace that inspire you?
1. My small but growing collection of art books
2. This painting of Buffy Sainte-Marie by Produkt, aka my fave artist ever.
3. The wall of prints that sits across from my studio. It’s a constantly rotating collection of work made by all the artists at 100-Sided-Die, the shared studio space I work in (there are 19 of us now!).
What’s the art scene like where you live?
Montreal is amazing! It’s a really cheap city, and full of artists. The scene is super diverse and super DIY: people have shows in their homes, in secret outdoor locations, in make-shift galleries. There’s every kind of art you can imagine, and lots of cross-over between disciplines. People here just want to create.
What art is hanging on your walls at the moment?
Bah! I have SO MUCH of my own art on my walls, it is starting to seriously annoy me. I am SURROUNDED. Don’t get me wrong – I really like all of it, and the cool thing about being an artist is that you get to have a huge art collection. The pieces that I have up that are not mine are: a cool print by my best friend Veekee, a really funny Ray Fenwick poster, and a pretty substantial velvet painting my roommate found in the street.
What are you really into right now?
I recently moved into this big shared studio in Montreal called the 100-Sided-Die (19 artists and screenprinters, plus musicians), and it has caused a shift in my aesthetic. I’m getting way more into bright colours, contrasting patterns, and weirdness.
What would be on your quintessential mixtape?
Tough call! I guess nothing new, since hardly anyone makes tapes these days. Maybe some Joy Division, Fugazi, and Cindy Lauper.
If your art was music, what would it sound like?
Electro-clash.
What do you have as your desktop wallpaper?
I am really into Kitsune Noir’s desktop wallpaper project (free wallpaper by lots of artists!), but right now it’s a horse from a tee-shirt design that I did.
What websites do you check out regularly?
Jillian Tamaki and Sam Weber’s portfolio sites, Ffffound!&, and Book By It’s Cover.
What are your vices/guilty pleasures?
Don’t make me reveal my secrets! Okay, the most embarrassing is that I religiously watch America’s Next Top Model. It started years ago as a joke: we would get a bunch of anarchists, punks and feminists together in Edmonton (my hometown) and watch it and make fun of it. When I moved to the other side of the country I tuned in out of nostalgia…and then got totally hooked.
What’s the first picture you can remember drawing as a child?
I drew a man walking up to a house and saying ‘Boo!’, and the house said ‘Boo!’ back. But I thought that when someone replied their writing was mirrored, so the house Boo is written all crazy and backwards.
If you were a dinosaur, what kind would you be and why?
I had a dream about T-Rex last night! Given how scared I was (and since I’m a vegetarian), I must be some sort of lowly plant-eater.
What was your last memorable dream?
I was John Goodman and robbed a bank, and then hooked up with a pretty lady. It was a good day in the life of John Goodman.
Are there any upcoming shows or projects you’d like to share?
Papirmasse is always on the go, and I’m really excited about the format changes I’m considering for next year. We will be bringing in more artists to address the issue of making art that is cheap and affordable. I’m also getting really close to finishing about 12 new paintings, so my website is about to get a facelift! Stay tuned.
What’s your motto?
Life is what you make it.
kirstenmccrea
