Spotlight Artist Interview
Maggie Neale
July 2020
SPA: How would you describe the type of art you create?
Maggie: Color has been a natural instinct and great interest of mine all my life. I love seeing color in nature, the blending tones. This exploration of hues I bring into my work whether in watercolors, oil paint, silk dyes, or woven fibers. My work these days is abstract using lines and forms in densely mixed tones to express movement, dance, and delight.
Maggie: Painting is a departure from the daily worry and stress, a place I go to feel my inner child move freely without the weight of pain and age. I hope to create that feeling of freedom and curiosity for others.
SPA: What have you been working on during the last few months? How has the health crisis impacted your work?
Maggie: My studio at Studio Place Arts has been such a blessing during this fearful time; it has been an escape from settled at home to dance in the flow of color and make joy within myself. First I painted on canvas; overpainting some old work to create something fresh, finding my way through confusion and doubt to the place where I could feel satisfaction. Then I cleared my large table and pinned on silk scarves eagerly awaiting the flow of bright cheerful tones of oncoming spring flowers and summer delight. My mood always rose to the song of expanding color in my vision.
Maggie: Meanwhile I was making masks for hospital workers from fabrics within my home, discovering what I sourced years ago waiting for the right use. This mask project has now developed into an art form as I use handpainted silks, hemp, linen and cottons to make original and artful masks which have found a market in this time of little sales of paintings through my galleries.
SPA: You’re a founding member of SPA and Artisan’s Hand. Could you discuss how community and collaboration play a role in your art practice?
Maggie: As artists we work so much on our own that to form gathering spaces for communication, support, and collaboration is essential for expanding the spirit. I am grateful for the continuation of Studio Place Arts. Artisans Hand is taking much of my time these days as I am a board member. The 5 board members have worked diligently to help it stand and move forward through this time and not dissolve. We have opened the gallery slowly and worked the open hours personally because we had no resources to hire back the staff until lately. It is a gamble that we have worn upon our shoulders.
SPA: Could you discuss your process? Do you set out with a particular idea for a composition or is it more intuitive?
Maggie: Sometimes I start out with an idea but by the movement of a line or the blocking in of a color, I release the mind so the process takes over. Yes, intuitive as I really do think my spirit knows better than my mind. Mixing colors can be a very good way to lose myself into exploration.
SPA: In your opinion, what is the role of the artist in society?
Maggie: The artist translates the creative spirit into vision, music, words.
SPA: Where can we find more of your work?
Maggie: I have work at Artisans Hand Gallery, Rabble Rouser, and Frog Hollow.
Follow Maggie on Instagram: @maggie_neale & Facebook: @maggieneale.3
View more of Maggie's work at:
www.maggieneale.com
www.colormusings.com
www.colormusings.blogspot.com
www.etsy.com/shop/colormuse