Name: Christine Mackey
Location: Leitrim, North West of Irelandwhat
Website: www.christinemackey.com
Brief artists statement:
For several years I have examined the role of ecological systems (social, biological and physical) and their representation in the present day, through the production of drawings, sculptural installations, text, sound and video, photographic and archival documentation, publications and public and site-specific artworks. My projects are often informed by an investigative ‘field’ work strategy focussing on almost-forgotten histories and over-looked or vulnerable phenomena, with many of my projects taking place in a social and site-specific context.
How did you become an artist? Did you always dream of a life in the art-world?
Actually, I wanted to be a poet but could never imagine how I could live; little did I know that being an artist is just as difficult! I was always making things as a child. Does that constitute an art-world?
How has your education helped your career?
Education as institutional practice is limited knowledge until made manifest by being exercised in the real world. Hence, knowing is equally known better by others – an exercised motto practised daily.
Do you work as an artist full-time? Describe your typical day. Do you have a routine?
Full-time, everyday, always.
Which historical and contemporary artists do you refer to most often? How are you influenced by their work?
I do not limit influence to artists or arts practice. I have a particular interest in geographers and philosophers. Guattari, Latour, DeLanda and Lucy Lippard, for example.
What are the other influences on your work?
Place, a concern for the environment and how to limit my physical impact on the world.
What was the last exhibition you visited?
Fiona Mulholland at the Leitrim Sculpture Centre.
What is your favourite art gallery?
Leitrim Sculpture Centre, a converted factory space.
What are your experiences of the ‘art-world’ and the business of art?
I do not practice in or for the ‘art-world’ but am more interested in socialized encounters through and with practice in the every day.
Do you have any tips or advice you wish you had known earlier in your career?
A good filing system helps.
Do you have a quotation that you keep coming back to and that keep you going? Have you a motto that gets you through?
Try again, Fail again, Fail better! Samuel Beckett
Which historical artist do you think is over-rated? Why?
By historical do you mean dead? If so, no one comes to mind.
Do you or would you use assistants to make your work?
Normally not, but if needs be then yes.
Do you use social networks? if so, how and which ones do you find most useful?
Facebook – prefer the pub.
Which artist should we all look up immediately?
Stephen Willats.
What art magazines, blogs or sites should art lovers be looking at?
e-flux, Cabinet, https://papervisualart.com/
Finish this limerick:
There once was an artist from.. – I can’t – don’t do jokes!
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