Sheena McCorquodale
Location: Qualicum Beach
Website: sheenam.ca
Q & A
1) Have you had to adapt your studio/home/space to be more suitable to your practice during this time?
My actual space hasn't changed, other than with some time on my hands and a couple of good audio books, I have managed to do some cleaning and organizing that I've been putting off for ages.
2) Can you describe your daily/weekly art practice, anything that you do differently because your studio is in such proximity?
I have no set routine for what I do in the way of artistic expression. I tend to let my fancy flit around to land on whatever catches my interest at the time. My day usually starts with caring for cats in the kennel and various animals that call this place home, then dealing with commercial art/graphics requests or maintaining class lists and working on promotion. Once the 'have to' stuff is done, I'm able to enjoy a little creative time. I have many interests and I still haven't haven't found my ultimate medium. Sculpture, drawing, painting, gardening, fiddle & harmonica, all vie for top billing.
3) Has this time of self-isolation changed your practice in any way. I know a lot of artists are missing things (materials, space, etc). Has this time pushed you to be more creative or think outside the box in your practice and can you give us an example?
I have no one dropping in, calling for cat bookings or classes, so I have the luxury of long, uninterrupted, creative time. I've been making larger wire sculptures - full sized women - and exploring various mediums like gouache and watercolour. My studio building - The Cathouse Gallery - is separate from the house and I share my space with my cat kennel - the Comfy Cat Kennel. On a regular day, I'm in the building starting at 8am, caring for the cats, answering emails and dealing with general admin stuff. I usually have a number of drop ins throughout the day, looking for classes or cat kenneling or just coming for a tour. I have weekly portrait studio time with a group that has been together going on 6 years. My weekend wire sculpture workshops have been running for the past 4 years. Now, there's nobody but me and my dog in the studio and I really miss the hub bub.
4) What is your favourite part about your home-studio?
I love the flexibility of my studio room. Its not overly large, 15' x 22'. It has a high ceiling - 12' slanting up to 14' - that helps the feeling of spaciousness. I can change its purpose with relative ease from all out studio mess to class room, portrait studio, demonstration room, gallery showing or music venue with seating room for approx 20. It is my sanctuary and my life line during these times.
5) Do you have any goals of creativity for this time?
I want to explore sculpting with stainless steel mesh, in full size human figures.
6) Any messages you would like to share with everyone during this time?
We live in a really lovely part of what is a fairly sane and wonderful country. Enjoy every minute. Explore every creative itch. Know that expressing a creative spirit is a worthwhile endeavor. These crazy days will be a strange memory in due time.