Jay McDougall’s sculpture is produced in the classic reductive method where material is removed to reveal the form, much like the process used to carve marble. This method is much more challenging and less forgiving than additive sculpture where material is added or fabricated to compose the form. A reductive sculptors’ objective is a delicate point of balance where he has removed everything required to reveal the form and nothing more. To continue carving would detract from that desired form.
You can find more out about artist, Jay McDougal @ jaymcdougall.com
1asked by william secombe
Who are you most inspired by?
I’m most inspired by those people who are able to do so much more, with so much less than me.
2
What do you want to most convey in your work?
I want my works to stand independent of me or the processes which are used to create them. I don’t want the first impression to be that it’s a “McDougall”, or how did he do that. I want there to be a visceral connection between my work and the viewer.
3
When did you first realize you are an artist?
Interesting thing semantics. Some would say I always have been an artist while others will say I never will be. As for me, I really don’t think about it in terms of being or not being an artist. I’ve always done what I have wanted to do and have pursued it passionately, I guess you’ll have to decide where that fits.
4
Why do you choose the subject matter you work with?
I have an awareness that my life and work is very connected to the land and my surroundings. I create very organic forms. It hasn’t been a matter of choice more than a case of evolution. As my career has progressed my work has become more fluid and natural. I don’t want my pieces to feel forced or contrived I am very comfortable merely serving as the conduit through which these pieces come into existence.
5
Where do you go when your well of inspiration is running low?
I go outside of myself and keep all of my senses open to my surroundings.
6asked by michael anthony lynch
What is your greatest artistic weakness?
I often think about what I want to get started on next before I’m finished with what I am working on currently. This may also serve as a strength because each piece serves as a stepping stone to the next level. It keeps me from stagnating. This distraction rarely detracts from my work as the lion’s share of the creativity has played out long before I complete the execution of a piece.
7
How would your life change if you were no longer allowed to create art?
I don’t see that happening. I’m very adaptive. Again, it’s a matter of definition. How can an artist suddenly be robbed of all creativity? Many of my dreams would be considered art forms.
8asked by dayvin hallman
What situations in life have left their deepest impressions on you?
Seeing how disengaged so many people are from what they do with their workaday lives. The flip side is observing people who have identified and are pursuing a passion. I love to watch people doing what they are really good at.
9asked by kathy berg
What/who gave you the extra push to “go public” with your work?
It’s what I’ve always done. It wasn’t so much a matter of push as it was of not letting anyone hold me back. How many times have we heard “you can’t do that”? Artists are usually the ones who didn’t take heed.
10asked by alex sheehan
Do you make a choice and then justify it? Or do you visualize something and then create it?
Visualize and then create. My work is characteristically quite spontaneous.
11asked by jason borbay
What is the biggest obstacle standing between you and your success as an artist?
The answer is quite different for everyone. How do you quantify success?
12asked by david geisler
How do you know when you are finished with a work?
When the last step made the piece better, and the next will detract. Knowing when one’s finished with a piece is hugely important. It’s really all about striking that balance.
13
What new artists or works excite you?
I just really enjoy seeing things that are new to me or are fresh takes on things I’ve seen before. Sometimes that’s from established artists but it’s just as likely to be from someone I’ve never seen before.
14asked by 716
Who do you think you are?
I’m someone who does what I love, I’m very honest about what I create, and I can’t be stopped because I just has to get it out.
15
If you could ask another artist anything, what would it be?
What are you surrounded by that could best serve as a window to your soul?
