Meraki Vagary invites us to question our relationship with the organic world by exploring nature as a medium.
Synergistic practice produces expressive and often vibrant outcomes; seamlessly fusing the natural world with contemporary art and highlighting our lack of awareness to the diverse artistry of life.
Self-taught or art school?
I studied a degree in Illustration and Print at Plymouth College of Art back in 2012 and am currently studying my Master’s Degree in Fine Art at AUB. I have been an Art Teacher for the past 7 years.
If you could own one work of art what would it be?
I would love to own a Miro painting. I am a huge fan of his style and he is one of the artists I make sure to include when I teach my students, as his automatic drawing techniques really help to loosen up anyone who is a perfectionist.
How would you describe your style?
Organic and spontaneous.
Can you tell us about your artistic process?
Since lockdown, I have been working synergistically with some snails. That may sound odd to the everyday person, but my friends and family are not shocked at all that this is how I have been spending my time. I wanted to collaborate for my MA, but with lockdown restrictions, I could not meet with anyone to create. On a rainy day, my garden filled with snails and I had an idea. I have been working with these tiny artists and making my own organic pigments since then and have ended up on my own journey of a calmer and slower existence thanks to their influence.
Is narrative important within your work?
I think as an artist, there is always a story behind a creation; whether the audience sees the same narrative as you do doesn’t really matter as long as the art is enjoyed.
Who are your favourite artists and why?
I appreciate all types of art, but Abstract art is my favourite and the more simplicity to it the better. I really enjoy the work of Barbara Hepworth.
What or who inspires your art?
Nature. The organic world around me and my time spent in the forest or on the beach. I am highly influenced by the natural treasures I find whilst walking and the feeling and senses I experience amidst nature.
Where’s your studio and what’s it like?
My studio is our smallest spare room. It has a desk area and drawers for all my materials. I have a mini kiln and a small photography booth set up and everything is white (and splattered with paint).
Do you have any studio rituals?
I burn incense and play Deya Dova while I work if I am having a particularly anxious time; it helps me to feel calmer in the studio and to feel more creative.
What are you working on currently?
I am exploring the concept of portals and escape at the moment. As part of my MA, I am expanding my work with snails and nature and questioning our need to escape to a better, happier, calmer place (highlighted even more so during lockdown). I am working with mixed materials, recycling and human waste to create sculptural pieces that depict human stresses and portals to an imagined Utopia. This will continue to develop as I enter the second and final year of my studies.
Where can we buy your art?
www.merakivagary.com is my website and I am in the process of adding available work to my online shop.
