Interview: MC
Luca Curci talks with MC during THE BODY LANGUAGE 2020 at Palazzo Ca’ Zanardi.

MC is an artist based in California in the United States. She studied studio art at the San Francisco Art Institute and obtained her degree from Franklin & Marshall College in Pennsylvania. Upon graduating she shared a studio with her grandmother, a wood worker. For years they worked in the shared space, MC taking the walls and her grandmother taking the floor. She began experimenting with plaster on canvas near 2007. At this time the plaster barely raised the surface of the canvas. The plaster was decorative and textural. Creating motion on the canvas. The more MC explored this medium the further the plaster jumped from the canvas. Today MC’s work is an evolution of her plaster on canvas and an evolution of a theme. MC at once seeking a partner with her solo show “Where is He?” in 2005, now divorced is re-connecting with self through her art. Her work over a decade ago focused on the men she was seeking and here the focus on women, a celebration and recognition of a journey not yet complete. A coming back to oneself. The process of making the plaster forms has been an attempt to throw herself into her work and at the same time a shedding of old visions of oneself. Emerging at times bright and new.

Luca Curci – What’s your background?
MC – My grandmother started wood sculpting in her 50s. I grew up visiting her in her studio and loved the experience of being in this creative space. I took my first drawing class in college and learned how to see – darks, lights, shadow – and translating these elements onto paper. I didn’t feel like I had any natural ability in the arts but after learning to see in this way I believed it could be learned and have been making art ever since.

LC – What is the experience that has influenced your work the most?
MC – The drawing class was an important moment because it taught that I can learn how to make whatever I would like to express. Experimenting with different mediums has been important for my process, I’ve worked with metal, plaster, paint and various mixed media. I’m not limited in my use of materials and this enables me to use the materials as part of the communication to the viewer.

LC – What is art for you?
MC – Art is expression. It is a visual poem that gives voice to things that can not be said with words.

LC – What is your creative process like?
MC – It begins with experimentation and play. I find materials in my studio or in a hardware store that I’m attracted to and then begin playing with them. From this, images evolve in my mind and clarity of what I would like to express visually. Then from here I move to my notepad to plan and then to build.

LC – Are your artworks focused on a specific theme?
MC – Right now my works are about women and the female breast. I’m using the breast to communicate – but using it out of context. The breast in my art represents women as a whole or sub groups who are muted in some way.

LC – Which is the role the artist plays in the society? And the contemporary art?
MC – An artist’s role is to communicate to the viewer in ways that can not be reached with words. Some artists delight, some share sorrow or pain and others raise awareness or questions. I see my art as the latter. Contemporary art should build on the past but not repeat it. Art should move forward with society and help reflect back to the world what is happening within it.

LC – We were attracted by your last artistic production, has the artwork presented been created for the festival or as a part of preexisting works?
MC – This piece is part of an ongoing series about women and their current state in the world.

LC – In which way the artwork presented in our exhibition is connected with the festival’s theme?
MC – In the piece “Shhhh” the breast is covered with a strip of duct tape. This represents the expectation in some parts of society that women will keep their mouths shut. It also references areas where women may have shame and withhold pieces on themselves. This work fit in well with the theme of Body Language because the breast is being used to express silence, withholding or shame.

LC – What is your idea about ITSLIQUID GROUP?
MC – Itsliquid Group is a unique platform both digital and live to bring together the visual arts.

LC – Did you enjoy cooperating with us?
MC – Yes! Your staff was very helpful and accommodating.

LC – What are your suggestions about our services? Is there something more we can provide to artists?
MC – No, it was great!