As part of our ongoing, collaborative project #DRIFT, we are excited to continue our series of Artist Interviews with the creatives involved. We discuss practise, process and career advice.
We catch-up with Jeanette Collins, an Irish artist specialising in acrylic paint portraits. Jeanette tells us how she has constantly challenged herself, found her voice through her artwork and shares advice on building a strong professional network and why it’s crucial to a successful career in the arts.
“Working as an artist can be a solitary discipline, so you must be very proactive in connecting with like minded artists from all areas to help bounce ideas, educate yourself in the business of art, and find new ways to collaborate with amazing artist.” – Jeanette Collins
Tell us about your background in the visual arts industry and how you developed your career?
I studied Art until Leaving Cert level, and unfortunately my art took a back seat in my life up until 2015, when I decided to pick up the paintbrush again. I continued to work on my skills through self-taught methods and began to promote my work online. This led to a lot of positive feedback which eventually resulted in my first solo exhibition in 2016.
Since then I have exhibited yearly, focused on refining my painting skills and finding my voice through my work whilst networking with Irish art groups and through online networking. I have established a strong following through my online social and founded a local art group holding group exhibitions with artists from different disciplines.
How would you describe your artistic style and process?
I work with acrylic mediums, and occasionally used mixed media, such as oil, inks and sprays. I work mainly on large canvasses and incorporate thought provoking images with a colourful abstract and contemporary style.
Could you tell us more about the artwork you are planning to exhibit as part of DRIFT?
The piece I will be exhibiting, will focus on my interpretation of our relationship with the sea. When approached by The Visual Loop, I was first challenged with the idea of adjusting my process of creating artwork to adapt a more sustainable application. This piece will be created by focusing on eliminating as much waste as possible in the process and incorporating recycled materials.
What aspect of your career to date are you most proud of?
I was recently awarded a significant grant from Cork City Council as part of the 1920 centenary commemoration in Ireland. I presented a contemporary portrait of a key figures in Irish History to the Lord Mayor and Mayoress of Cork City. The piece is currently in residency in the cultural site of St Peters with a view to move this piece permanently to the US.
Could you share with us the best career advice you received?
Network. Network. Network. This has been the most beneficial advice I have received in recent years. Working as an artist can be a solitary discipline, so you must be very proactive in connecting with like minded artists from all areas to help bounce ideas, educate yourself in the business of art, and find new ways to collaborate with amazing artist.
You can see more of Jeanette’s work on her Instagram feed, and once we’re back-up and running you’ll see his beautiful images as part of our DRIFT exhibition on show at Sea Fest 2021.
To coincide with the interviews, each artist will be in residency on our Instagram bringing us behind the scenes of their practise and process.
Stay tuned to our Journal for more interviews with our artists and industry friends.
