Blogs

Josephine Dougan

Dowry, Cotton bedsheets, vintage beads, cotton yarn, polyfill

What are your earliest memories of being artistic?  I’ve been going to Tuscany every summer that I can remember, attending the drawing class that my dad taught. So I remember learning at a very early age the importance of just Seeing, as an artistic endeavor. Its great to get to have a clear progression of my artistic ability through the sketchbooks I’ve kept over the years since I was like 4, and continue to add to up to today.

When did art become a pursuit?  Eternally! Forever! I’ve realized it’s totally an unattainable goal though. I could just keep making and making and never stop and never be 100% satisfied with any sort of product. I’ll have to be happy just continuing the chase.

Are you self-taught or formally educated in visual art?  Formally educated to the max. With teachers for parents, it’s hard to avoid. Of course there are always going to be things that have to be learned alone, and can really only be encouraged by outside forces. I do attribute most of my textile skills to my mom though, and my compositional way of thinking to my dad, and all the connecting bits is me.

In what other ways are you involved in the local art community?  I currently am a full time student at Lesley University, so I don’t have too much time to spend on much else. However, I try to be highly involved in any shows going on there when I can, and I’m always on the hunt for new artistic opportunities.
I am also getting my masters degree in Education, so I’ll be getting involved with some local schools in the near future.

My Own Little Corner,  Projection into corner space

What role do you think the artist plays in society?  Kind of a loaded question, but in my opinion, the role of artist and educator super overlap. I enjoy art the most that teaches me something, not necessarily something factual or even scholarly, but just opens my eyes a little wider than before. Whether thats in regards to introducing a new way of thinking, or a topic I previously didn’t know about, or opinions that may differ even slightly from my own.

What medium do you currently work in and how did you choose this medium?  As a student I think it would be silly for me to confine myself to one medium at the moment. I work conceptually, with the medium following suit, acting solely with the material that best conveys what I’m presenting. Currently, that largely has been textile, but definitely textile in a subversive way, through use of modern or different techniques. I think with such loaded mediums its important to find a balance between content and conveyor. It’s also such a feminine traditional medium, and there’s so much to say about that having been passed down to me through generations of women.

What is your creative process? Where are you finding ideas for your art these days?  I find inspiration in everything I touch and see. I think my senses are driving my practice right now, but I may be in a sort of transitional period. I am drawn to everything domestic and vintage/textile seems like a simple link to that. I find objects that make me think, and then try to convey this change in perspective that the object has caused me. I also could never ignore the simple answer of: whatever is around me. I think it’s important to be constantly aware of everything going on around, never shut off.

Modular Bride, Mixed media (domestic and bridal supplies)

How do you choose your subject matter? Is there a reoccurring theme that carries throughout your work?  Recently its been primarily regarding the domestic, and thus implicitly about the feminine. I am struggling conceptually whether I want to strengthen or break that inherent bond, so maybe theres a bit of that in my work as well. Sensuality is another common theme, as I am consistently drawn to textures and materials that elicit acknowledgement of their physicality.

In your opinion, what’s your best/favorite piece you’ve made?  Right now I’m awfully proud of Dowry, it’s been in a few shows and I think it kind of has the ability to speak for itself. It takes up space, but kind of has a diminutive presence. It seems simple enough of a shape, but required kind of complicated means of construction that I’d like to further explore.

What is one of your artistic goals?  To keep pushing myself, and not loose my interest in visual exploring.

What’s your favorite place to see art?  I hate sounding like I’m in full support of gigantic art institutions commercializing or restricting any person’s access to art, but I’m drawn to places where years and years of art history are available. I am so inspired by classical painting and greek sculptures, then to walk into the next room and see contemporary revolutionary video art? incredible. So final answer: Anywhere where I can see art history splayed out around me.

What living artists are you inspired by?  Honestly too many to list, Sarah Lucas, Tracey Emin, Candice Breitz. The list goes on.

See More Josephine!

Instagram:  @josephinedouganart