WOMEN IN ART SERIES
We are so excited to share the first interview in our Women in art series.
At the studio we specify art for clients on a daily basis and our relationships with the artists we work with is of the highest importance. Our artist today is none other than the multifaceted talent, independent artist Clementine Maconachie, whose work has featured in multiple projects we curated.
In a recent conversation, we had the privilege of delving deeper into the creative process behind the captivating works that have captured our hearts.
Richmond Terrace.
Architecture by Page Stewart.
Photography by Emily Bartlett.
Styling by Karin Bochnik.
Art by Clementine Maconachie.
You are an Olympian and Former world record holder - Can you describe the most unexpected or exciting moment during this creative shift into artistry?
I have always been interested in art and design. My mother was an artist. There wasn't anything too unexpected about ending up in a creative field. I suppose the unexpected thing was Falling in love with steel and in love with welding. I first tried that when I was making furniture with a friend, a very talented creative in his own right, Orlando.
We understand that the spaces you live, work and play in can directly effect your mood - Can you describe your creative workspace or studio setup?
My studios have always been bare bones and industrial concrete floors and brick walls, dusty and hot in summer and cold in winter but always such a happy place. It is organised chaos and could definitely do with a tidy up.
I live in a small terrace that is on the edge of Trumper park in Edgecliff. There is no street in front of our house and we are right in nature but so close to everything in Sydney its very special and being surrounded by nature definitely informs my work.
Do you have any rituals or routines that help you get into a creative mindset?
When I come into the studio after I grab my coffee, That's definitely my everyday ritual. I clean up from the day before because I never want to stop working right up until I have to go. this is a good way to start. Sometimes I make a list of what i aim to achieve that day, otherwise I just get straight into it.
How do you overcome creative blocks or moments of self-doubt?
I don't often have creative blocks. There are always so many things I want to make but never enough time. I think if I did have one I'd take a day off and go for a swim,, maybe go to the art gallery and read some books. or go for a walk, Ideas always come when I am walking around not really thinking about anything.
Self doubt is something best left ignored. I think if you just think if you just turn up and do the work good things eventually happen.
What's the most unexpected source of inspiration you've drawn from for your art?
I had to think about this for a while. There are the obvious things like water, movement and line, space and negative space. The most unexpected i guess is probably in steel places and hardware stores where you see a new material or shape and an Idea stems from there.
If your art could be displayed anywhere in the world, where would it be?
I have already ticked a few places of my bucket list here with a group exhibition in London, New York and Houston. I have my fingers crossed for a show in Austin Texas at the same time as the formula 1 next year. I would love to have my works on display in Paris during the Olympics. That would be a nice full-circle moment.
And finally - What is a goal or dream you're currently working towards?
I am excited to show some new works and series that I have been working on on and off for a while
Also the show in Austin and maybe if the planets align something in Paris 2024.
