Through the medium of oil paint my work captures imagery of the everyday in New York City to highlight the dystopian reality of the Covid-19 Pandemic. My practice focuses on the screen as a surface of mediation, protection, isolation, safety, and fear. I am constantly reminded of the courage of our Essential Workers during these unprecedented times, and their protection of and service to the community at large. I recognise the screen as a barrier and charged index that both separates and unites us. This physical boundary functions as a space from which to consider our privilege and reflect upon our position as human beings during these unprecedented times. It is a barrier that mediates the body and incites questions regarding human desire and fear: the inability to touch during a global health crisis and the longing to connect. My painting practice also considers haptic sensations and the representation and embodiment of touch.

ArtConnect asked the winning artists to share with us a glimpse into their creative life to get a sense of their personal inspiration and artistic process.

How would you describe your artistic approach?

My current series is inspired by the struggle of Essential Workers during the Covid-19 Pandemic. COVID-19 brought about a heightened awareness of the social, political, and economic disparities between the races and classes worldwide. The Pandemic changed the way we recognize and categorize privilege. These paintings capture silent moments shared between myself and ride-share drivers. The works are about socioeconomic cognizance, self-indictment, community, and longing. I used photorealistic painting techniques to capture the surreal reality of daily life.

And how did you get started as an artist?

I have been making art ever since I was a young child. I would sit at my little table in the kitchen and spend hours drawing and painting. After studying art in high school, I completed a year long portfolio course in Ireland at Sallynoggin College, Dublin. I then moved to Sydney to undertake a BFA at UNSW Art & Design.

What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced as an artist?

Being an artist means wearing many hats. Running a one-woman business can be quite demanding: coming up with ideas, producing the work, late nights in the studio, documentation, applications, sales, networking, exhibitions. I've learned the importance of time management.

Describe a typical day in the studio or wherever you make your work.

I arrive to the studio in the morning, check my emails and get through the admin side of things. Then I mix my paints and have the palette laid out and ready to go. I turn on a podcast and get to painting. My work is very detailed and takes some time so I am usually in the studio ‘til very late. I love it.

What are you currently working on and what’s coming up next for you?

I am currently creating a new series of oil paintings of tactile anthropomorphic sculptures. I am working towards an upcoming solo show at Shelf Gallery in Mexico City for Art Week next February.

Is there a medium, a process, or a technique that you haven't used in your work yet but would like to try out?

I would love to try glass blowing or metal casting.

How does it feel to be selected as an ArtConnect Artist to Watch?

I am delighted to be selected as an Artist to Watch!

See more of Lisa McCleary’s work

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