by Samuel Proof (click on the thumbnails to see Leighs work.)** if you're browser
does not support JavaScript Click Here the actual work is 28" x 32" but that measurement includes a 3
inch mat on the top and sides and a 3.5 inch mat on the bottom Leigh Mackow was born in Reading, PA. In 1994 she came to Millersville Dash: From conception to completion, how long does it take for
you to run through the process of creating a piece of work? Dash: There seems to be a dichotomy within both the process and
creation itself. There are very technical aspects, like the titles
and certain steps in the creation, as well as many "free and creative"
aspects. Do you find this balance in many other things that you
do? Dash: Do you have any personal favorite artists or pieces of art? LM: A comment on a single piece is a little tough but I can say
that this series has been very mind opening and thought provoking.
I have received a great deal of feedback and am always happy to
hear more. Send me comments or questions at leighmackow@hotmail.com. Artist Statement This particular work was created in several steps. I began by
filming myself with a camcorder and playing the video tape through
a computer. While playing the tape I captured stills from the
footage. Working with Adobe Photoshop I manipulated the color
and composition. Finally, I made prints of the images on acetate
and layered them between small pieces of plexiglass.
talk about the interview
(click here)
University to pursue an education in art, later focusing her studies
on
graphic design. Leigh received her Bachelors degree in May 1999
and took a position as an artist in residence at the university.
She also works as a
freelance graphic designer and hopes to return to school to pursue
a Masters degree.
LM: My primary medium is the computer. I enjoy the freedom it
allows me. Many times I start by using other mediums but they
all come together in Photoshop.
Dash: How did you come across the method for creating your art?
LM: I actually came across the method that I used to create this
last series completely by accident. I was experimenting with various
forms of alternative presentation. A friend suggested that I try
using acetone on the Plexiglas. That turned out to be the key
and after some trial and error I came upon what you're seeing
now.
Dash: Your art is very "self" oriented or "self aware". Has this
changed the way you view or feel about yourself?
LM: For years I have felt as if I have always been focusing my
energies on or for other people. This is the first time in a number
of years where I can really just focus on myself. This body of
work is about healing-healing my mind, body and soul.
Dash: What other influences do you find prominent in your art?
LM: My art is very personal and narrative. Everything around me
impacts the work I do so it is hard for me to pinpoint specifically
what my influences are.
LM: It can take me anywhere from a week to a month to complete
a piece or a series. Things like the amount of free time (since
making art is not a full time job for me), money, equipment availability
and personal motivation all play a role in getting the work started
and finished.
Dash: As there are several steps to the production of each piece,
do you find yourself going through your own steps in the concept
of who your are?
LM: Not excessively. Usually when the time for the production
of the actual piece comes around all that has been thought through
and considered. That's not to say that my concepts don't change
sometimes with each step in the process, but for the most part
I reflect on those feelings during the time in which I develop
the concept.
LM: I find this balance throughout everything I do. I am very
detail oriented about certain things and other times very lax.
I prefer a healthy dose of both...it keeps me sane!
Dash: Do you find a major difference in the work you do on your
own time and the work you do as a graphic designer?
LM: Yes, one is usually accompanied by a lot more stress. Don't
get me wrong, there's nothing I appreciate more than good graphic
design but it is sometimes a little constraining. Whereas with
my art, I am free to express myself in whichever way I please.
Dash: Do they fulfill different aspects in your life?
LM: Art provides me with an outlet. I find that making art is
very cathartic for me. Making art helps me to focus my energy
and allows me to slow down and think about things that are going
on in my life.
Dash: How would you describe your work habits?
LM: I work in bursts. I'll get this idea for a series, something
I am really excited about, and then devote all my energy to the
project. I'll admit that sometimes I'll become so focused that
things like food and sleep, etc. become secondary concerns. I
am exhausted when I am finally done with a series of work and
need " recovery time". I know people who can just produce one
good piece after another. They never need down time. I envy them.
I also try to think a project through before I begin. I'll work
with smaller versions if I have technique or material concerns.
That way if my original idea needs to be modified it can be done
at the beginning of the process.
LM: I enjoy the work of Barbara Kruger. Her work is clean, direct,
her images-dynamic and in your face. I also like Annette Messager's
work because they are much more intimate and draw the audience
in to interact.
Dash: How do you feel computer have changed the way art is perceived?
LM: (On digital art) Every other art form and process seems to
have found a niche. We have this new medium, the computer, and
new art and I don't really think that anybody knows what to do
with it yet. Some collectors are concerned b/c it can be reproduced
(if the artist allows it). It is not seen as "handwork" which
seems to make it less valuable. This causes a dilemma in my mind
because I work as hard as any other artist but still don't receive
the same kind of respect. But hey what can I do? This is what
I do. I just keep my fingers crossed and hope that things change
in that regard.
Dash: Could you give us a quick comment on each peice, or the
series itself?
Thanks!
My work refers to my continual attempt to come to terms with who
"I" am. My images are about accepting all parts of myself unconditionally
and without judgement. My work is prompted by my constant attempt
to make sure that my values and beliefs are truthful to me rather
than something I have blindly accepted as fact because of the
popular media.
The edges of the plexi were sealed with acetone. The final image
that you see is a scan of the images as they appear sandwiched
between the plaxi.