Interview with Alison Pilkington
March 2021
1. What is the relation between a finished painting and the next one?
There is a relationship between my paintings, one idea can lead to another. I am working in series and narratives so the paintings do connect in that way. However each painting has its own story to communicate and I would hope that the viewer can connect with that.
2. What are you currently working on?
I am currently working on a large paintings 200cm x 160cm. I love working large scale as I feel I can inject some drama into the work through scale.
3. Do you listen to music while working?
No I don’t as it would distract me too much!
4.Which artists (or other people) are you inspired by?
My influences tend to be quite eclectic. I draw inspiration from many sources such as films I have seen and novels I have read. In art history I am drawn to the drama and scale of the narrative works of the 17th century and use them frequently for inspiration.
5. What is your favourite place to see art, online or offline?
I like to see art in situ, in a gallery or attending an event but some online events have been very good recently and the major international galleries and museums are dong some good work to engage audiences online
6. What is the best part of being an artist?
The best part is also the most challenging part, having autonomy over what you create and put out there is rewarding, not having to ask or answer to anyone about what you do in terms of your creativity. But then it is hard to sometimes be creative when you have to rely on your own inner resilience. This has been hard during lockdown I’m sure for a lot of people, I have definitely felt it.
7. Are there any ongoing projects or upcoming (online) exhibitions where we can see your art?
I am currently working on a solo show in Ireland for Late summer at the Model Arts and Niland Gallery in Sligo.