Dail Kirkpatrick
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FSC’s featured member of the month for March is artist and educator, Dail Kirkpatrick. In her second year at FSC, Dail is a native of Gibson City, IL, studied art education at Illinois State University and has been in Chicago for 12 years. Her solo opening, SPECTRUM, is Friday, March 20th in our main gallery space. We recently sat down with Dail to discuss what drives and inspires her, the upcoming solo show and what’s down the road.
https://www.dailkirkpatrickart.com/ Interview with Dail Kirkpatrick:
Was there a pivotal moment when you decided to follow your passion for art? I was in high school when I first really decided that art needed to be in my life. I was always the artsy kid throughout school, but I really hit my stride about my sophomore year of high school. I took every art class offered, was in the art club, and spent my study halls (and sometimes lunch too) in the art room. It was my safe space. I think that’s why when my senior year art teacher suggested I look into being an art teacher I went with it! I loved the first few years of teaching, but slowly felt like something was missing. In 2015 it hit me: I hadn’t been making art for me. I was making all of the teacher examples (and I loved that don’t get me wrong) but it wasn’t hitting the mark for my creative needs. I began working on a smaller scale work in my living room and signing up for local street fairs and art fests. In early 2019 I outgrew my living room and got a space at Fulton Street Collective! I’ve never been happier in my creative life! |
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What kind of consequences, if any, have you experienced for your pursuit as an artist?
I’m a much happier person as a result of choosing to make time for my creative practice and it creates a side income which is nice. It also makes me really happy when people connect with my art, when it brings them joy.
Can you tell us about the process of making your work?
I mostly work intuitively letting one mark, shape, or color influence the next. My work explores how color impacts and interacts with emotion. I use organic and familiar shapes paired with lines, colors, and textures. I also work with repetition and multiples to find the subtle variations that can happen within them.
You teach children. What have been some of the rewards you have gained?
I actually teach at a charter school on the south side of the city. It’s remarkable being able to bring art into children’s lives. This is the second school where I have started an art program where one did not exist before. That brings me so much joy. My students are so creative and come up with amazing ideas. Their drive and determination are inspiring. Naturally I do have some students who are not really into art, and I especially love when I see little breakthroughs with them when they take pride in their work. They may not all become future artists, but I am molding art appreciators and that makes my heart happy.
Does your experience in teaching youth find itself in your artwork?
I believe it does! When people bring their children to the studio they are immediately drawn to my work. Most likely due to its bright, colorful, playful nature. Being surrounded by 8-11 year olds all day can be exhausting, but they energize my creative side!
What plays the biggest role in your creative process and/or success as an artist?
My partner is also a creative - a musician. He understands the need to have time to create and we do a good job of checking in with each other, offering support and feedback. He’s also the reason I’m in Chicago. I don’t know if my art would be what it is today without the move to the city.
Are there moments when you question your career?
Sometimes I wish I could be a full time artist, but honestly I believe that spending so much time with children helps fuel my practice. It’s a pretty good balance, teaching and creating.
If you could be born in another period of history, when would it be?
This is a difficult question! I’ve been thinking on it most of the day and I still don’t have a good answer haha
Do you have a favorite book, film or painting, which inspires you?
It’s hard for me to pick favorites of anything, but one of my favorite works of art is La Gerbe by Henri Matisse. It’s a large ceramic piece that reflects the work he had been doing with large, colorful paper cutouts. I was lucky enough to see it in person five years ago at LACMA.
I’m a much happier person as a result of choosing to make time for my creative practice and it creates a side income which is nice. It also makes me really happy when people connect with my art, when it brings them joy.
Can you tell us about the process of making your work?
I mostly work intuitively letting one mark, shape, or color influence the next. My work explores how color impacts and interacts with emotion. I use organic and familiar shapes paired with lines, colors, and textures. I also work with repetition and multiples to find the subtle variations that can happen within them.
You teach children. What have been some of the rewards you have gained?
I actually teach at a charter school on the south side of the city. It’s remarkable being able to bring art into children’s lives. This is the second school where I have started an art program where one did not exist before. That brings me so much joy. My students are so creative and come up with amazing ideas. Their drive and determination are inspiring. Naturally I do have some students who are not really into art, and I especially love when I see little breakthroughs with them when they take pride in their work. They may not all become future artists, but I am molding art appreciators and that makes my heart happy.
Does your experience in teaching youth find itself in your artwork?
I believe it does! When people bring their children to the studio they are immediately drawn to my work. Most likely due to its bright, colorful, playful nature. Being surrounded by 8-11 year olds all day can be exhausting, but they energize my creative side!
What plays the biggest role in your creative process and/or success as an artist?
My partner is also a creative - a musician. He understands the need to have time to create and we do a good job of checking in with each other, offering support and feedback. He’s also the reason I’m in Chicago. I don’t know if my art would be what it is today without the move to the city.
Are there moments when you question your career?
Sometimes I wish I could be a full time artist, but honestly I believe that spending so much time with children helps fuel my practice. It’s a pretty good balance, teaching and creating.
If you could be born in another period of history, when would it be?
This is a difficult question! I’ve been thinking on it most of the day and I still don’t have a good answer haha
Do you have a favorite book, film or painting, which inspires you?
It’s hard for me to pick favorites of anything, but one of my favorite works of art is La Gerbe by Henri Matisse. It’s a large ceramic piece that reflects the work he had been doing with large, colorful paper cutouts. I was lucky enough to see it in person five years ago at LACMA.
What are you looking forward to in 2020?
I am looking forward to more time in the studio. I have a bunch of new ideas that are just waiting to get out after my solo show! I plan on spending a lot of my summer break from school at Fulton Street Collective. And travel. I always look forward to traveling. I’m hoping for New York and maybe Hong Kong!
Tell us about your solo opening Spectrum on March 20th. What do you want the audience to experience?
I hope my art creates an emotional connection with the viewer that will spark their youthfulness, vibrance, playfulness, and curiosity. Guests will have the opportunity to engage in creating a collaborative piece with myself and other guests. I also invite guests to dress in monochromatic attire and potentially match a piece of art! I want to transform the space into a bright and colorful one with the art, outfits, and music. The playlist is color themed and there will be some live music from members of Simpleton & Cityfolk!
I am looking forward to more time in the studio. I have a bunch of new ideas that are just waiting to get out after my solo show! I plan on spending a lot of my summer break from school at Fulton Street Collective. And travel. I always look forward to traveling. I’m hoping for New York and maybe Hong Kong!
Tell us about your solo opening Spectrum on March 20th. What do you want the audience to experience?
I hope my art creates an emotional connection with the viewer that will spark their youthfulness, vibrance, playfulness, and curiosity. Guests will have the opportunity to engage in creating a collaborative piece with myself and other guests. I also invite guests to dress in monochromatic attire and potentially match a piece of art! I want to transform the space into a bright and colorful one with the art, outfits, and music. The playlist is color themed and there will be some live music from members of Simpleton & Cityfolk!
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