Get to Know: Sylvia McEwan
Who: Sylvia McEwan
What: Artist
Where: Sydney, Australia
Hello Sylvia! Thanks for taking the time to chat with us, to begin, how did you get your start as an artist/creative/sculptor?
My interest in art started with sculpture. I liked the physicality of it, creating with your hands. Looking at things in the three dimensional. With sculpture came lots of life drawing and from then it was a natural progression into painting.
What was your first artistic memory? When did you discover your love for the arts?
My first sculpture class. I fell in love with sculpting. But it was only when I had the luxury of being able to focus on art full time, that I was able to develop as an artist.
Do you have an artist statement? If so, how did it develop?
Born in Melbourne, it was following a move to Sydney in the 80's that I began my artistic exploration firstly in sculpture, working in marble and limestone whilst at the same time undertaking an extensive study of life drawing. After moving to Brisbane, I completed my visual arts studies majoring in sculpture, and under the direction of William Robinson and Joe Furlonger began an interest in painting. Throughout my career I have worked in all painting genres, moving between abstract, to the figurative. Always using the subject matter as the starting point, I carve the form within the painting to reveal a cubist interpretation.
“Drawing on referenced as diverse as Classicism and Cubism, my work shifts between the figurative and the abstract. Although it evolves from the representational and moves through to the abstract, my work retains the influences and inspirations from which they were conceived. Whilst the subject matter is important, the true subject is always; space, form, structure and balance.
Since 1996, I have had 16 solo exhibitions throughout Australia as well as the UK. My works hang in both public and private galleries and have been bought by private collectors in London, United States, Europe, Asia and Australia. I have been a selected finalist in numerous major Art Prizes. My painting 'Whistlers Mother' was selected as a finalist in the prestigious Sulman Prize 2003.
Was/Is it challenging to find your own style and express your voice through your art?
It was a long and slow process. And it is only now that I feel that I am finally figuring out what I want from my work. Finding your own voice, especially in this world with so much information overload, can be overwhelming. But you must follow your own gut feeling and try to keep pushing your work to the fullest.
With such a diverse portfolio, do you favor one media more than the other?
I do tend to move around a lot...Over the last few years I have focused on painting. After I have finished a large body of work I like to move on to a new direction, whether it be working on paper or sculpture or merely just changing the genre within painting. I find that this refreshes my work.
Is there a piece (or series) of yours that you’re particularly proud or fond of?
Interesting enough it's usually the last work or series I finish, that I am always excited about.
You have an impressive resume, is there something you’ve learned over the years when creating a solo exhibition or a specific commission?
Its all about adapting and listening to the client on specific commissions. I aim through color, paint and mark making to create ‘beautiful pictures that sing and lift the ordinary into the extraordinary’.
When do you feel your most creative self? Do you have a daily routine?
I try to paint everyday. But that is not always possible. So I will wait until I have a run of days that I know I can paint through, uninterrupted.
Do you admire a particular artist? Do you have a role model?
I can't say that I admire only one particular artist therefore I don't have one special role model. I am certainly inspired and excited by many artists past and present. My particular artistic development has been fueled by the love of the New York School of Abstract Expressionists, especially Willem De Kooning’s strong figurative work. Also the work of the San Francisco Bay figurative artists, Richard Diebenkorn in particular. Of course, the genius of Picasso, Cezanne and Matisse, who early in the 20th century broke all the rules and paved the way for modern art.
Last any professional/life/artistic advice for the creatives reading this interview?
Don't just talk about it, do it! It's all about working each day. Inspiration comes from focusing on the creative process, finding new ways of approaching the work. Over time there are small breakthroughs that enable you to move forward. And most importantly it's from your mistakes that you can learn the most.
And please, where can we find more of your work?
Represented by:
Artduo, Art Consultants. Sydney NSW.
Fellia Melas Gallery. Sydney, NSW.
Lans Gallery Hong Kong
John Wolf, Art Consultant. Los Angeles, USA.
TIGMITRADING: www.tigmitrading.com
KOSKELA: http://www.koskela.com.au/
Follow on Instagram: instagram.com/sylviamcewanart/
Website: sylviamcewan.com
Thank you to Sylvia McEwan! All photos belong to Sylvia and if you'd like to see more click on the photos at the top of the page or visit the link: sylviamcewan.com