Today we’d like to introduce you to Jody McGrath.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I was born originally in the north of Ireland in what’s euphemistically known as ” The Troubles ” with a war literally on my doorstep. Despite the violent abnormality of everyday life no one spoke of their fears and feelings. This stark fact led me to sketch and draw and stumble my way with pencil trying to engage my own childhood emotions.
Art and in particular painting were an ever-present source of solace in my early days. That an hour spent in my local library devouring books on the great painter’s. I continued my painting endeavors through school, college and eventually university. It was difficult while at university not to try and visualize the bombs I could see going off around me from my lecture hall window’s. We were told to be apolitical which I couldn’t handle as I believed as a painter I had to explain the human condition going on and off around me.
After graduation I knew I had to make a move or remain stifled and stuck as both a human being and a painter. I applied for college here and in 97′ my own visual version of the American dream began.
Please tell us about your art.
Canvas is my steady go to. With charcoal and pencil in hand I began to express what I can only describe as the human condition that links us all. I approach the canvas with a certain amount of fear not or never knowing if the line’s shapes and colors that are in my head will ferment as I expect them to on the canvas.
Once that first charcoal or pencil strike has hit the canvas an elemental feeling takes over. It seems almost that I know where I’m going then abruptly it gets life of its own and I become its conduit. The last ten years I’ve been using the same materials. Charcoal pencil and acrylic. I use scraps of torn cardboard to apply the paint and when it presents itself I use the tube of paint itself. Squeezing it directly onto the canvas almost as it where a brush.
Inspiration is something I’ve never had an issue with. I see paintings everywhere and in everything I do. I see it in all of us. I attempt to formulate in my work as much passion and feeling as possible. To be quite honest some and indeed most of my work has been painful. Pulling one’s insides out for display can be bittersweet. In stating that I use colors that reflect I believe the storytelling empathy that lies within in us all. There is and has always been much beauty in the sometimes darkness of our lives.
Choosing a creative or artistic path comes with many financial challenges. Any advice for those struggling to focus on their artwork due to financial concerns?
I was asked a question in an interview once whereby I was asked would I give this painting artist business all up to lead a normal stress-free life? My reply was automatic, no. Every painter has his or her own journey to grapple grasp and push through. From finances to feelings we all go various directions in our visual journeys. I’ve been discouraged and turned down by more galleries than I can count. I have learned to simply say, Next.
I’ve worked all my life to support my artistic dreams and goals. I’ve learned that you can’t eat or live under a canvas. Trying to find the equilibrium of merging work and painting is what keeps me going. That and a belief that God made me a painter so I’m stuck with it regardless. I’ve never given up on my work. Ever and it may sound trite and overused but neither should you. If you truly believe in yourself then other’s will believe in you too.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
Having traversed across this country attempting to open my work to new audience’s word of mouth has probably been one of my greatest catalysts in getting my work out there.
As I’m still in the process of gallery representation the best place to see my paintings is of course my website which I keep updated regularly. I could not afford to do what I do without the help and support of those who invest in one of my paintings. It truly affords me a lifeline in continuing to push myself and my work to bigger and bolder levels.
For those interested the link to my work is at the bottom of this page. I would love to hear all or any feedback on my paintings as if I don’t know then visually I can’t grow. Seems corny to say but it’s quite truthful. I hope you get the chance to visit my site and step into the world of the human condition that is all of us. www.jodymcgrathart.com
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jodymcgrathart.com
- Phone: 2679056394
- Email: contemporarypainter8@gmail.com
Image Credit:
http://www.louiseorourkephotography.com
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