Interview with Feature Artist Jeremy Schilling
This Month’s Feature artist is Jeremy Schilling whose dynamic and perceptive paintings are on display for the month of November.
In an interview with us, Jeremy discusses the role of LONELINESS in his series The Overview Effect, the the unspoken dialogue of figurative work, making a living as a full-time artist, and more!
Jeremy will be having an opening on Thursday, November 16th from 6-8pm.
In your artist statement you describe your series The Overview Effect which depicts the human form in space suits as "images [that] are emotionally charged examining homesickness, the acceptance of change, and the loneliness of exploration." Can you tell us more about the role of loneliness in your work?
The role of loneliness revolves around concepts of isolation. The space suit isolates the wearer from the environment that they are in. Astronauts are in many ways the premier explorers of our species, existing and interacting within an environment that they will never fully be able to experience. I imagine that this is quite frustrating and humbling at the same time. Thematically, this separation is evident in these images as well as in the real world. Mirroring this with our own day- to-day experience is quite relatable in that we are all explorers in our own right. We each navigate the world, growing, faltering, and discover who we each are. I feel this path of discovery is many times a solitary one as it is so individualized.
In the unspoken dialogue and acts of observance that occur in your work with live models, what have you learned most about people?
The act of observing and the act of being seen are powerful forms of fostering understanding. Observing something or someone is an acknowledgment — an acknowledgement of not only the space which is occupied but also the moment in time. It is an unspoken awareness and respect of “Other” which I think everyone misses in our day to day.
As a full-time, self-employed artist, what tips do you have for those looking to make a living selling their work?
For me, having conversations with people was vital. Presenting the work to people is one thing, however if you are unversed in how to interact and talk about your work with others, then your job is that much more difficult. With social media I feel that it is easy to neglect this. Everyone wants to think that their work will be discovered just by being on a platform — this is a misconception.
What is one takeaway that you'd like people to get when viewing your work?
As a painter I create interpreted still images. I always enjoy when viewers respond to the energy and texture of my brush work. Whether it is a landscape, figurative piece, narrative work, or a still life, elevating and bringing energy and motion to these paused, captured moments is of importance to me.
How did you first learn about The Collaborative and what prompted you to become a Feature Artist?
I first learned of The Collaborative through other artists in the area during the pandemic. After attending a number of exhibits in the space, and viewing the diverse range of creativity flowing through the space, it seemed like an approachable space to consider partnering with.
