Wednesday, June 10, 2015

MAGDA DUDZIAK

 


Untitled, 2015,
spray paint, cut outs on sewn fabric, 31x25 inches
 
 
 
 
What are you working on in your studio right now?
 
I have some works going on, which are still in progress. Some are smaller pieces on paper/cardboard and some are medium size works on canvas. There is also some sewing   happening. Besides that I recently started experimenting with clay, paper mache and wood and have been making these small sculptures/objects -not sure where it’s going just yet.
 
Can you describe your working routine?
 
I always do something in the studio probably because it is in my living room. In the morning I like to go through things, look at works in progress, rearrange, clean up the mess I made the night before or just play around with materials. Then I usually do some prepping like canvas stretching or unstretching, cutting, sewing fabrics, etc. I also go for walks and take photos of things I find interesting - walls; pavement- I’m always interested in different marks, shapes I can find. Generally I try to work/do something every day but prefer to work early in the morning or later in the evening.
 
 
 
Studio wall
 
 
 
Can you describe your studio space and how, if at all, that affects your work?
 
Until recently I had a shared studio at school and that made things easier in terms of working a bit larger and storing works. Currently my studio space is in my apartment in Chicago where I have a designated area in my living room. I don’t have a lot of wall space so I tend and prefer to work on the floor and use the wall space for evaluating works in progress. I think the size of my current working space definitely affects the work I’m making.
 
 

Studio wall
 
in process
 
 
 
 
Tell me about your process, where things begin, how they evolve etc.
 
Painting doesn’t always happen right away and sometimes the beginning can be a bit awkward. When it does happen it is usually a reaction to a previous work(s), my surroundings/domestic space, or something I’ve seen, read or overheard. But there are still these phases I go through, the” nesting phase” where I do all these other things (organizing, cleaning etc.) and then the actual painting phase. Once I get into the physical act of painting I tend to work fast and usually on several pieces at once and then I step back. So its back and forth – preparing, working and looking /thinking. I’m interested in surface manipulation- the act of deconstruction and reconstruction. Things get layered, reworked, concealed and then revealed again. I like when things get a little out of balance. Accidents that happen along the way are also always interesting and allow for problem solving. I welcome challenges and difficulties the work presents- this feeling of excitement and being unsure all at once. There is really no planning involved in terms of how the piece is going to look like; I don’t like to think too much about the end result –I’m always interested to see where the work will take me (even when it becomes a total mess).
 
 
Untitled, 2015, acrylic, ink on sewn canvas and drop cloth, 27x21inches
 
 
 
What are you having the most trouble resolving?
 
There are some things for sure. Scale – especially now since the studio space it rather small. Other ones: when is the work consider finished, how not to overdo it, stay loose, keep it fresh, how not to react too fast, how to leave it alone and avoid being a control freak.
 
 
Do you experiment with different materials a lot or do you prefer to work within certain parameters?
 
Yes! Process, experimentation and materials are important. I like to work with both traditional and non-traditional materials. Mostly I use acrylic paints, gouaches, inks, fabric dyes, enamels and spray paints. At the same time I’m always looking for new things to use– I’m into shopping at Home Depot stores- they are full of surprising materials! Lately, I have been playing with different fabrics- sewing them and painting on top. I’m also interested to see how some materials work or don’t work together. I don’t like to repeat the same moves all the time or feel too comfortable so this use of different materials and/or processes allows for the unexpected to happen and keeps things fresh and spontaneous.
 
 
 
 
Untitled (Toxic) ,
2015,acrylic, gesso, canvas bag, fabric over stretched canvas 29 x 12 inches
 
 
 
 
What does the future hold for this work?
 
Since I just graduated from SAIC I will be looking for a job while continuing to make art. I’m also looking for opportunities to show my work, residencies etc.
 
 
Is there anything else you would like to add?
 
Thank you for inviting me to participate Valerie! It’s really fantastic to be able to read about other artists and learn from them.
 
 
Untitled (Memories from Ordinary Moments,)
2015,
enamel, acrylic, collage spray paint and found objects on sewn fabric, 29 x 30 inches
 
 
 
 
 
 

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