Interview with Moira McLaughlin, Art Entrepreneur and Blogger

Interview with Moira McLaughlin, Art Entrepreneur and Blogger

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo Credit: Sheila Cameron.

 

Recently, I had the great pleasure of interviewing Moira McLaughlin, an artist and blogger living in California.  A selection of Moira McLaughlin’s work is displayed below.  Please visit Moira McLaughlin’s website and Etsy shop to view more of her work!

 

KATHERINE CARVER: What were your beginnings as an artist and when did you realize it would become your chosen form of expression?

MOIRA MCLAUGHLIN: Before she became a wife and mother, my mom was an art teacher.  She encouraged my three sisters and me to be artistic right from the start.  We were raised in Cleveland, Ohio with frequent visits to the world-renowned Cleveland Institute of Art.  And our extended family lived in New York, so yearly visits to the Met, MoMA,and the Guggenheim were common.  At Christmas, we always got fresh boxes of crayons, sketchbooks, and magic markers.  I never chose to be an artist.  I just was always surrounded by art.  I thought that was normal.

 

KATHERINE CARVER: Did you study art formally?

MOIRA MCLAUGHLIN:  I don’t have a fine art degree.  I have a BA in history with a film studies minor from Boston College.  But, since the age of five I’ve taken art classes.  And during college, I spent year in Italy studying art history, photography, and Italian cinema.  While abroad, I visited many museums in Europe and viewed many of the masterpieces of the western world first hand. It’s been unconventional and awesome.

 

 KATHERINE CARVER: How do you describe your style?

 MOIRA MCLAUGHLIN: Evolving.

 

 

 KATHERINE CARVER: Can you describe the time when you first realized that making art was absolutely something that you had to do?

 MOIRA MCLAUGHLIN: I don’t think I ever felt that way.  In fact, I’ve always wanted to invent something more than I’ve wanted to be an artist.  I consider myself more of an “art entrepreneur” than an artist.

Part of this resistance stems from not liking to have a lot of things.  I’m a minimalist.  I like paring down.  So making things, even making art, stresses me out.

And, this resistance to things coupled with an anti-consumerism bent has intensified since 2009 when I moved from Los Angeles, where I worked in the film business for 15 years, to the rural Northern California town of Grass Valley.  Now, I’m submerged in nature in a way I’ve never been before. There’s a part of me that asks “Why bother making something, when nature is so brilliant?” 

That’s sparked my interest in looking at art not as something artificial, separate from nature, but something organic, created in collaboration with nature.  I’ve become interested in environmental art and biodegradable houses.  I find the beauty of a perfectly stacked woodpile really exciting, and I’ve become obsessed with collecting sticks and building teepees.  And, to be totally honest, when I watch documentaries of artists working in sterile, white studios, with store-bought paints and canvases, it looks depressing to me, not something to aspire to.  I feel very conflicted about much of the “art world” today and my relationship to it.  The industry is not sustainable.

 

KATHERINE CARVER: What was the impetus that inspired you to begin painting and making art of dogs?

MOIRA MCLAUGHLIN:  In 1999, I became very sick after working in a building that I later found out was built on a toxic landfill. I was diagnosed (and still struggle) with chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, multiple-chemical sensitivity, low thyroid, and an autoimmune disorder that affects my eyes.  By 2005, I had no job and very little money, so I decided to make handmade gifts for Christmas.  Everyone in my family owned a dog, so I made custom collages of each pet and framed them with $5 Ikea frames.  They were a big hit. I made some more and posted them on ebay. They sold. And I became a dog artist. 

 

KATHERINE CARVER: What was the inspiration to begin your blog, Dog Art Today?

MOIRA MCLAUGHLIN:  By 2007, I spent most of my time in bed, very sick and in chronic pain.  It was very isolating.  I started Dog Art Today as a way to connect to other people when I rarely left my house. 

 

KATHERINE CARVER: How have your own dogs influenced your work?

MOIRA MCLAUGHLIN: Darby, my Longhaired Dachshund who died at age 17, was a beautiful, soulful, and clever creature who constantly outwitted me.  Tyler Foote, my mixed-breed Terrier, is a graphic, macho, survivalist. They both inspire my work.  But even more so, their companionship allows me to enjoy solitude, which for me is necessary for creativity (and my health).  Most important are the walks; my best ideas happen when I’m walking my dog.

 

 Darby pictured above on the left; and Tyler Foote pictured above on the right.

 

KATHERINE CARVER: Can you talk about your new work entitled, “dox-ZENs”?  How did this body of work come about?

MOIRA MCLAUGHLIN: After Darby died I was devastated by grief and creatively blocked.  I made a few artworks, but soon got frustrated, angry that they weren’t good, like I wasn’t doing him justice. And I would just sob.  So I shut my studio door a quit trying.

A few months later, I discovered erasure poems on a wonderful blog that I think your readers would love called Gwarlingo.  The poems are created by erasing texts of a book. I became fascinated with this subtractive, messy, experimental art form and started exploring my grief on the pages of an early 20^th century spelling primer. 

Years ago, I had created a “dox-ZEN” collage, a generic image not related to Darby.  So, later, when I spotted a book on my shelf entitled Buddhism and Zen, it sparked the idea of combining my new interest in erasure poems with a tribute to my own beloved dox-ZEN.  

One of the first concepts discussed in the Buddhism and Zen book, which I read as I deconstructed it, is that the mind is an endless process of three series: craving, acting and discontentment.  It was the discontentment that was paralyzing me.  So I decided to paint Darby in the exact same manner on every page.  The art was the discipline, the meditation, not the outcome.  I also looked to one of my favorite works, painted in 16^th century Korea, for inspiration, Mother Dog and Puppies by Lee Am, 1507-1566.

Around the same time, Jane O’Hara, a fellow dog artist whom I greatly admire, was putting together a group art exhibition entitled “Beasts of Burden.”  She asked if I had something in addition to my “Dogs in Art” video (which was already included) to contribute.  When I explained the “dox-ZENs” series she said yes.  Having a deadline forced me to actually do it.  It’s been extremely cathartic.

 

 

 

 

 

 

KATHERINE CARVER: Where do you show/exhibit your work?

 MOIRA MCLAUGHLIN: My “Twelve dox-ZENs” and my video “Dogs in Art,” a three minute tribute to 5,000 years of canine art, will be in the upcoming exhibition, “Beasts of Burden” at the Harvard Allston Educational Portal in Allston, Massachusetts.  March 13 – May 4, 2014. 

Visit BeastsofBurden.org for more information.

 

 

 

 

KATHERINE CARVER: What does “being creative” mean to you?

 MOIRA MCLAUGHLIN: Trying.

 

KATHERINE CARVER: What is the most challenging aspect of being an artist?

 MOIRA MCLAUGHLIN: Navigating between the rhythm of blogging and the rhythm of making art.

 

KATHERINE CARVER: What inspires you to keep going and what keeps you motivated?  

 MOIRA MCLAUGHLIN: Lack of alternatives.

 

 KATHERINE CARVER: What artists inspire your work?

 MOIRA MCLAUGHLIN:  Romare Bearden, David Hockney, Matthew Rose, Pearl Fryer, Patrick Dougherty, Louis CK, and Kenya Hara.

 

KATHERINE CARVER: What advice do you have for aspiring artists?

MOIRA MCLAUGHLIN: We are living in a visual age. Realize that you have tremendous power.  And don’t undervalue yourself.

 

KATHERINE CARVER: How can people view your work?

 MOIRA MCLAUGHLIN: You can view my work by visiting the sites below.

Dog Art Today

My Etsy shop

Pinterest

If you live near Boston, please come to “Beasts of Burden” at the Harvard Allston Education Portal from March 13 – May 5, 2014.

Thank you, Katherine for including me on your wonderful website.

 

All images contained in this blog post are courtesy of Moira McLaughlin.

You can read additional interviews here.

Interview with Eleonor Boström, Artist

Interview with Eleonor Boström

 

Recently, I had the great pleasure of interviewing Eleonor Boström, an artist living in Berlin, Germany.  A selection of Eleonor Boström’s work is displayed below.  Please visit Eleonor Boström’s website to view more of her wonderful work!  (We are excited because Eleonor is currently making a sculpture (Dog in a Cup) of little Victory!)

 

KATHERINE CARVER: What were your beginnings as an artist and when did you realize it would become your chosen form of expression?

ELEONOR BOSTRÖM: I have always drawn a lot, built stuff, and crafted since I was a kid.  As a child, I submitted my drawings to competitions that I found on the back of cereal boxes.  I even won my first portable cd-player in the 90s through one of those competitions!  After finishing my compulsory education, I studied art history at the University in Stockholm and as interesting as I found that area of study, I knew that I was not passionate about this subject matter.  As a result, I started working as an assistant to a ceramicist.  After that, I studied at two different preparing art schools for two years, testing out all kind of crafts, including ceramics and sculpture.  What I loved about ceramics was that I could bring drawing into it as well.

When I was attending art school, I found that it was difficult to determine what to do after graduation.  One of my former classmates had a difficult time making a living making her art.  Before I finished art school I made sure that I already had a cheap studio rental with a kiln, so I could continue working straight away after earning my bachelor’s degree.

During the first few years after graduation I worked a lot in elderly care and as a hotel breakfast hostess to make ends meet.  This did not leave much time for studio work.  Today I would say, four years after completing my bachelor’s degree in fine art, I’m sure about what I want to do.  But I’m still in this phase where I work really hard, but I am not making a lot of money.  However, I do not mind it too much because I get to do what I love.

 

KATHERINE CARVER: Did you study art, sculpture formally?

ELEONOR BOSTRÖM: Yes, I completed a three-year bachelor’s degree in Ceramics and Glass; however, also while earning my bachelor’s degree, I worked at an old pottery learning old school throwing clay.

 

KATHERINE CARVER: How do you describe your style?

ELEONOR BOSTRÖM: I would describe my work as — sculptures with function; and sculptural utility goods.  Also, my work is playful, unique, and cutesy.

 

KATHERINE CARVER: Can you describe the time when you first realized that making sculptures was absolutely something that you had to do?

ELEONOR BOSTRÖM: I think during my years in art school, I went from making functional cups and other things to creating sculptures instead.  However, I love function, so I haven’t left that behind.  I am always trying to incorporate function into my sculptures. There was not necessarily a first time that I realized making sculptures was something that I had to do.  It has been something that has grown.  When people, friends, and family want to custom order something, or when a gallery or store says it wants something precise, or something I usually don’t do, in the beginning I always took the commission, thinking I couldn’t say no to an offer or an opportunity.  However, after completing the commission, I always had the feeling that it wasn’t me and I felt badly and that I was disappointing myself.  Sometimes even though you have to say “no” to potential clients and assignments, the outcome is better.  That sounded a bit cliché.  But I think you can see it in what you do if you love it or not; and if the love isn’t there, don’t do it.

 

KATHERINE CARVER: What was the impetus that inspired you to begin making sculptures of dogs?

ELEONOR BOSTRÖM: I started making dog sculptures during my study abroad in the United States.  I got inspired by all the colored dyed dogs and the movie ´Best in Show’ and also that I missed my dog, Tess, very much who is shown below.  

And from there, I have just continued.  I love dogs and love making dogs in porcelain.

I’ve always had dogs until recently.  Thus, in the absence of my own dog, I enjoy making them out of porcelain!   There is something about a dog’s expression that catches my eye.  And if you look at my tumblr there are huge amounts of dog pictures and dog gifts among my work in progress pictures.

(The above work is from my time studying at RISD).

 

KATHERINE CARVER: Where did you come up with the idea for your body of work entitled, Dog in a Cup?

ELEONOR BOSTRÖM: By combining function with sculpture, and playing with what is functional.  I like doing that.

 

KATHERINE CARVER: Where did you come up with the idea for your body of work entitled, Functional Dog?

ELEONOR BOSTRÖM: Well it’s the same as with the dog in a cup. Testing the dogs function in my tableware.  Soon there will be a hallway dog that takes care of your keys.

 

KATHERINE CARVER: How have your own dog(s) influenced your work?

ELEONOR BOSTRÖM: Dogs influence my work very much.  This is why I keep having them as a theme in my work. I’m on a constant mission to persuade my boyfriend that we are going to get a dog!  (He is a cat person).

(My old dog, Tess, shown above).

 

KATHERINE CARVER: Where do you show/exhibit your work?

ELEONOR BOSTROM: I exhibit in Stockholm at the co-op Gallery Blås&Knåda.  In London at the Atomica Gallery and the Kapok store in Hong Kong.  And I always show a lot of my new work on my tumblr and sell stuff in my Etsy store.  I really enjoy the personal contact and feedback I get through Etsy!

 

KATHERINE CARVER: What does “being creative” mean to you?

ELEONOR BOSTRÖM: Creativity is something you can apply to so many things — not just ‘arty stuff.’  You can be creative with how you live your life.  How you work.  How you are with your friends and family.  Breaking patterns.  Having a passion.

 

KATHERINE CARVER: What is the most challenging aspect of being an artist?

ELEONOR BOSTRÖM: Making ends meet.  Haha, no but yes!  Sometimes I find it hard finding the time to do and test new stuff.  I just keep doing the things that make my economy go around, while forgetting about evolving as an artist.

 

KATHERINE CARVER: What inspires you to keep going and what keeps you motivated?

ELEONOR BOSTRÖM: That people are interested in what I do, and that I’m interested in what I do.  I get depressed when I’m not in the studio, knowing that the studio is where I should be.  The sun keeps me going a lot too.  (It is too bad we only had seven (7) hours of sun in January, a depressing month).

 

KATHERINE CARVER: What kind of patterns, rituals, and routines do you have while making sculptures?

ELEONOR BOSTRÖM: I think that I’m really structured.  My most important ritual is biking to the studio — getting exercise and air.  It’s a good bike distance, one hour in each direction, which entails going through Berlin’s city center, where I receive so much inspiration.  Getting off track, yes while making the sculptures I’m very inpatient.  Wanting it to go fast, I think is from my time working in a pottery, you had to be time efficient.  So I always have about five (5) sculptures in the making at the same time, and making dog cups and others thing to, at the same time.

 

KATHERINE CARVER: Looking back on your accomplishments, to date, what are you the most proud of?

ELEONOR BOSTRÖM: This is a hard one. I still feel so fresh out of school although it was four (4) years ago. Well, actually taking the leap and moving to Berlin from Stockholm two (2) years ago has been an accomplishment.  In Berlin, I’ve been able to make a living from just doing my art.  I’ve been super lucky in that respect.  It is also much cheaper to live in Berlin compared to Stockholm.  I don’t miss my hotel breakfast hostess job!

 

KATHERINE CARVER: What are you working on now?

ELEONOR BOSTRÖM: I had an exhibition in January 2014, which I worked very hard preparing for this exhibition during the fall of 2013.  So now I’m recovering and taking it slow. I’m trying some new things out in the studio and working as if I was a sloth. It’s nice. But I have some deadlines, Atomica Gallery is celebrating its one year anniversary in late March beginning of April, so I’m going exhibit in their group show celebrating Atomica Gallery’s anniversary.  Also, in October I’m going to exhibit in Japan in a group show – I’m super excited, and I’m going to travel there for the first time!

 

KATHERINE CARVER: What artists inspire your work?

ELEONOR BOSTRÖM: It’s hard to pinpoint, there are so many artists that inspires me. But I have had a long love for the Swedish artists – Jockum Nordström and Maria Boij (she has a lovely Instagram – mariaboij).

 

KATHERINE CARVER: What advice do you have for aspiring artists?

ELEONOR BOSTRÖM: Be stubborn and keep going. And don’t overthink it in the beginning and work hard.

 

KATHERINE CARVER: How can people view your work?

ELEONOR BOSTRÖM: On the internet at the following websites– www.eleonorbostrom.se; http://eleonorbostrom.tumblr.com; https://www.etsy.com/shop/EleonorBostrom; and http://instagram.com/eleonorbostrom?ref=badge.

All images in this blog post are courtesy of Eleonor Boström.

You can read additional interviews here.