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Q & A: IN CONVERSATION WITH MELISSA HERRINGTON 2009
After viewing your work, I couldn’t help but draw some connections between your artistic style and the fact that you were born in Florida and had studied and worked in the south. It seems as though your pieces exude the same romantic yet haunting characteristics that are so famously used to describe the region. Is there a connection?
I suppose of course, maybe not totally intentionally- but those ideas of southern gothic are interesting- and I have always been attracted to the push and pull- innocence and what seems to innocence. I use sparse objects and symbols as my vocabulary, creating visual spaces to be reflected upon. The forms exist within the space of the painting; yet also allude to an outside source. The consequent interplay of familiarity and distance, and the tension this creates, is critical to my work. I believe my paintings have a sense of redemption. I strive to wield confident marks in strange, awkward rhythms as disparate and repetitive as the imagery. I struggle to tell narratives without succumbing to anything as linear as a single idea. My paintings could suggest sentimentality or nostalgia, but I hope the sum of the work never goes into that territory.
And if so, can you elaborate on how the geography and history has influenced your artwork?
Well, I was born in Florida- I was raised by my mother and her two sisters and my grandmother- these are my memories of my childhood- embracing –nontraditional- and always encouraging creativity- we didn’t have much… So I guess imagination plays a big role- it is so funny looking back – so many things one realizes and idealizes- with mentioning this- I try to embrace my memories- like a dream floating between sleep and wake.
BFA: Florida State University: Tallahassee, FL. I completed a BFA program in studio art-also an art history degree with emphasis in African art and women’s studies.
MFA: Otis College of Art and Design; Los Angeles, CA.
How did you come to use the materials found in your art and what would you say the significance of using those particular materials?
My materials are acrylic mixed media created on a wooden birch support- I enjoy experimenting and trying new mediums- but working on the wood structures seem so natural to me- it was a perfect fit- their tactile eloquence- the imperfections- and all of this allows me to create more three dimensional paintings- by being able to sand, scratch, carve, apply layer upon layer- it is a very forgiving support to paint on-
When you begin a piece, is the outcome of that piece clear to you? How much does the concept evolve during the process of making the piece?
I definitely do a lot of sketching- so I have rough ideas of where I would like the piece to go- but it always evolves and has a mind of its own- I also work on multiple pieces at the same time- due to the layering effect and the drying time…so I am always bouncing from one piece to the next usually between 3-4 pieces-
The feminine overtones in your work are apparent. Do these overtones require focus when you create work or do they come naturally because you are a female?
I think they come naturally – because of whom I am and things that interest me-
You have participated in several women’s exhibitions. Has your work ever been described as feminist artwork? And if so, what is your response to that?
Yes- unfortunately most labels are unflattering, they carry preconceived notions- but I do not deny nor pretend that my work is not feministic on the other hand… more importantly I hope my work creates conversation and evokes emotion from the viewer- whatever that might be…
Why did you decide to move to Los Angeles and what are you currently doing there?
I relocated January 2006, to Venice Beach, CA- I got married and began grad school.
Did you expect the change in location to have an affect on your artwork?
Most definitely!
Please tell me about some of the things you hope to accomplish as an artist. What do you see your artwork doing in the next decade?
I hope to be making strong, thought provoking art- enhancing my ideas- staying true to my feelings- looking for new adventures…
Upcoming Project?
Sandberg Instuite Fellowship 2009, The Netherlands
I am leaving in a few days! |
Artist of the Moment
