Meet Artevaggio’s Featured Artist: Manda McKay

When did you first realize you were an artist?
I always knew I was an artist, in the same way that I always knew I was female.

Could you tell us about your work?
I paint political and feminist still lifes. I try to combine natural objects in unexpected ways, and I hope that the final result is beautiful. My background is in medical and veterinary illustration, and I think this is obvious in my technique.

Delicate Flower Of Womanhood by Manda Mckay

What artists have influenced your work?
The original inspiration came from John Currin. Ai Wei Wei, Banksy, Yoko Ono, and Georgia O’Keeffe are also influences.

What is your creative inspiration?
Sometimes it begins with a flower or bone or other object that looks interesting, and other times I react to a news story. Once in a while I start with an idea I want to portray, and I have to figure out a way to depict it in a still life.

What other interests do you have besides creating art?
I enjoy dancing, roller skating, riding horses, and attending concerts. I also like reading about science, especially natural science.

What advice would you give to a new artist?
Don’t expect that you will remember an idea you have just because it’s good. Be sure to record all your ideas using a system that makes sense to you. I keep a tiny sketchbook, plus a tiny spiral bound notebook for non art-related ideas, with me at all times.

Could you give some advice about the business side of being an artist?
Be sure to title your work! Even if you don’t want to influence the viewer, you will need titles to keep track of your inventory. My titles convey meaning, making it easier to understand the subtext of the paintings.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years from now?
I hope to have achieved enough status as an artist to influence our culture toward greater equality.

CLICK HERE to go to Manda’s personal website.