I’d love to know a bit about you! Where are you from originally, and where are you based now?
I grew up in western Canada in Victoria, British Columbia, and am now based in Vancouver, British Columbia. I’m about to relocate to Guelph, Ontario to go to grad school.
When did you first discover or become interested in art?
I’ve always loved drawing, and it was when I decided to try to get better at it in my early twenties that I began looking at painting and art history and was hooked.
How would you describe the work you do, or your practice?
I consider myself a painter, and my subject is abstraction.
You’re about to begin a MFA program at University of Guelph in Ontario. What are you looking forward to working on in the next year?
I’m about to start this fall. I’m looking forward to making some large scale oil on canvas works and developing my interest in a digital approach to painting. I’ve begun a new series wherein I scan charcoal drawings and use them to make digital paintings/collages; this combination of traditional and digital media is something I want to further look into as well.
What is your process like?
I’m always doing research by looking at other artists’ work, and I read a lot. The time I spend on any one image varies greatly but I do tend to work fairly quickly. My work is inspired by language and most of the compositions begin with a title that informs the imagery.
What is your studio or workspace like?
I currently am in a live/work situation. Having tried it, I do miss having a separate studio space. Luckily I will be moving into a nice one this fall at school.
Do you have a favorite tool or object in the studio that you couldn’t live without?
Green painter’s tape and my laptop. Also, music is pretty crucial.
Do you have a favorite mantra, quote, or piece of advice you rely on when you’re working?
I remind myself, over and over again, that it is okay to keep things simple.
Any strategies for getting out of a creative rut?
I find that a change of medium almost always works for me.
What is or has been the most challenging or daunting aspect of pursuing art?
Not having enough time to pursue every idea.
What are you working on right now?
I’m mostly making my images in Photoshop at the moment, and trying out various methods of printing. I have some oil on canvas works slowly evolving alongside. I’ve also been making a lot of charcoal drawings, both as studies and as finished works.
Anything else you would like to add?
Thank you!
Find more at deirdremcadams.com and on Instagram @deirdreseesthis!
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