Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Artist INC: Erin Shaw

(interview by romy owens)


Q: What five words would you use to describe your art? 
A: narrative, whimsical, dream-like, humorous and layered.

Q: What do you create as an artist?
A: I'm a painter. I paint paintings that tell stories and investigate how stories function.

Q: Why do you do what you do?
A: I make art because it enables me to be awake and alive in this world.

Q: What has been a seminal experience that has affected your art?
A: The birth of my son was a turning point for me. I had spent the previous 15 years not making art. Shortly after he was born, I had a moment of clarity where I realized that the best thing I could do to shape his young life was to do what I was meant to do: make art.

Q: How has your practice changed over time?
A: My work relies on this personal and ever-evolving visual lexicon. As my art practice progress, I continue to narrow in and focus more and more on that visual lexicon. The constant in my work is the exploration of story, everything else seems to move and evolve, but I'm not sure that is saying much.

Q: Do you have any other jobs in addition to being an artist? 
A: Yes. I am adjunct faculty at the University of Central Oklahoma, I do consulting work as well as private lessons. I believe as an artist, you are always in your creative practice, so these things feed my creativity in a myriad of ways.

Q: Do you believe there is an artistic look on life?
A: If there is, I certainly have it.

Q: What is the biggest challenge you have had to overcome as an artist?
A: Myself. I spent years stymied asking myself if my work was good enough. At some point I realized that question wasn't my concern. My concern is to make the work. 

Q: What is the best piece of advice you've been given to date?
A: Always listen to yourself.

Q: What is your dream project right now?
A: I really love any chance I have to collaborate with children. Their creativity feeds my practice more than anything else I do. 

Q: What role do you think an artist has in society?
A: I'd say the artist plays many roles: cultural archivist, barometer, and flag bearer.

Q: How can you be contacted?



Twenty-five Oklahoma artists are meeting once a week for 8 weeks as part of the Artist INC Live OKC program. Artist INC is a cutting edge training program that addresses the specific business needs and challenges of artists. The course culminates with each artist presenting for 5 minutes about their work, incorporating the skills learned during the program. The public is welcome to attend this final program evening on November 19, 2013, 6-9 pm at Oklahoma Contemporary, 3000 General Pershing Blvd in Oklahoma City. More info at www.ArtistSurvivalKit.org.

1 comment:

Kristen said...

"Q: What is the biggest challenge you have had to overcome as an artist?
A: Myself. I spent years stymied asking myself if my work was good enough. At some point I realized that question wasn't my concern. My concern is to make the work."

What a great way of putting it!