Tell us about the upcoming exhibition in October.
This year’s exhibition is called Pick – A – Part; there are so many ways you can look at those words. Pick – A – Part could mean pull something apart, or could mean pick a part that could go together with another. A part could represent yourself or someone else – words can be very ambiguous. I have also looked at playing with words, picking words apart – this is reflected in the titles of my new works.
For those less familiar with your practice can you explain your creative process.
I get taken away, randomly, into deep creative thought. I draw a lot of sketches on scrappy pieces of paper that float around the house and my workshop; I predominantly work with car parts, aeroplane panels, and steel from my own wrecker’s yard. I deconstruct & reconstruct, cut & paste, panel & paint.
What is different about this new work?
I want to run where no one else has been before. I have been exploring gouging and protrusion. With a lot of this work I have been picking up the parts and letting them speak to me as opposed to coming up with the idea and looking for a part to fit. I also want to emphasise that anything goes.
Has something inspired you lately that influences this work?
Nature, reminiscing about childhood, relationships, and death. I went on a road trip to the South Island earlier this year and was inspired by the old towns and old remnants, the once upon a time feeling. I am always inspired by what is happening around me and in my life.
When is your best creative flow and what helps you get into the zone?
First thing in the morning is the best time me. I wake up early – the quietest part of the day – and when the birds are singing I float with an idea in my head. I then work out how I can create that idea into the most simplistic form possible.
What effect do you hope that your art has on people?
Everyone has a different perspective on the way they look at something so I really enjoy listening to what people interpret from a piece – seeing it through their eyes. My titles are really important to me and evoke a lot of thought for people, often humour – I love to make people smile.
When. 6 – 20th October
Where Studeo gallery, 21 Cross Street RAGLAN
open daily 11am – 3pm
contact 0273281036 www.chrismeek.co.nz
