I am a portrait painter and assistant Cultural Projects Officer at Abertay University, Dundee (creating and implementing cultural events to engage the students, staff and general public- exhibitions programme, cinema programme etc). As a painter I work in oils on a fairly large scale (life sized figures) I enjoy the challenge of capturing my subjects character in a single image, and creating narrative through expression, pose and composition. The painting shown above is entitled “Three birds”.

What inspires you?
My new body of work is inspired by the sociological theory of Dramaturgy- where human actions are said to be completely dependent upon time, place, and audience; manipulating the ‘audience’ into believing and accepting the character they present. In other words; Life as a series of little performances, short stories,dramatic plays. Within my large scale oil paintings I seek to create performance within portraiture, using realism to portray the unreal.

Inspired by artists such as Richards Phillips and duo Asgar and Gabriel, I find the notion of creating fantastical narratives and portraying unattainable beauty within a single image an exhilarating challenge.
The process begins with a conversation between the artist and subject; a collaboration. Scenarios are discussed, their character(s) developed, environments built (physical or imaginary). The performance begins. It’s about story telling, holding the viewers attention, compelling them to unravel the tale.

In your opinion what are the biggest issues that digital could be used to address?
That’s a big question! Personally I feel that advancments in digital technology has been invaluable to the contemporary arts; providing incredible platforms and opportunities for budding artists to share their work, promote their practice and research their contemporaries.

Who/ What is the next big thing?
Me! Seriously though I think trends/fashions within the arts is coming full circle and I’m pretty sure within the next few years we’ll see painting making a come back! From what I’ve witnessed at recent Scottish Degree shows, there has been a distinct lack of painting. I think it’s time for the fine arts to be reinvigorated; using traditional mediums in an innovative way to address contemporary issues. The portayal of complex concepts within a single static image is,   for me, an exhilirating challenge. It’s an accesible medium for audiences and the conversations provoked by such works can be hugely stimulating.

The best advice I was ever given ….

It Takes Three Things To Be An Artist:
1. Develop a self worth expressing.
(If you have nothing worthwhile to say, it doesn’t matter how well you communicate that shallow self in your art)
2. Know that self.
3. Develop the techniques to communicate that unique self.

As important as technique is it is, by far, the easiest of the three things to acquire, and the least important as an artist.

In 5 years time …….

I hope to exhibit more internationally. I hope that my practice continues to evolve and improve. By far the best artists are those who are not afraid of experimantation and change. Look at Hockney!

http://www.clarebrennanartist.net/