Theresa MacKnight
Theresa MacKnight draws profound inspiration from the seamless blend of landscape and cultural richness in New Brunswick. Deeply rooted in the local environment and her own heritage, her work provides a captivating glimpse into the creative processes that define the region's art scene.
Finding Inspiration in Familiar Landscapes
MacKnight's creative journey is notably influenced by her relocation to Charlotte County, where her family's history is intertwined with the natural surroundings. This connection fuels her artistic vision, embedding a sense of familiarity into each brushstroke. "The sense of this place became inseparable from the work," MacKnight remarks, emphasizing how her environment is reflected in her art.
Navigating the Creative Process
MacKnight approaches her artwork with a blend of methodical structure and spontaneous intuition. She often works in series, allowing ideas to evolve organically from one piece to the next, ensuring a dialogue between her works. "I start with one painting and work on it while ideas for the next one percolates," she explains. This approach not only maintains thematic consistency but also fosters an element of discovery, as MacKnight prefers to "let the paint and the process lead the way so I don’t squash the element of discovery."
Challenges and Evolution in Art
Every artist faces challenges, and MacKnight is no exception. For her, the abundance of inspiration often feels overwhelming. "It sounds egotistical but I almost have too many ideas and urges to paint, but there is no way to paint everything I would like to," she confesses. Her strategy to manage this overflow is what she calls "creative triage," prioritizing which concepts make it to the canvas.
Over time, MacKnight's focus has shifted from developing a particular style to refining her artistic process. "The appearance of style comes from the repetition of processes that work for you and the constant push to see how far you can go. It also has to do with avoiding getting bored with yourself," she says. This evolution reflects her ongoing quest to explore new boundaries within her medium. Her traditional and unconventional tools, including kitchen spatulas and window squeegees, exemplify her innovative approach to making distinctive marks on the canvas.
A Portrait of the Artist
One of MacKnight's most cherished pieces is "Palettehead," a self-portrait that captures her playful and introspective sides. In this work, MacKnight obscures her face with a paint palette, looking through the thumbhole, an image born from a spontaneous moment while setting up a trail camera in her backyard. "It is unconventional, in that I am covering my face with a wooden paint palette and peering through the thumbhole," she describes. This piece symbolizes her creative identity—partially hidden yet always seeking new ways to express herself.
The Role of Artists Today
MacKnight feels strongly about the relevance of art in today's digital and AI-driven world. "I firmly believe that in our AI tainted and distracted world, art reminds us to stay human," she states.
MacKnight is currently gearing up for a new project titled "Mammoth," inspired by the ever-changing visibility of a massive boulder at Pagan Point, influenced by the tides. "I am interested in exploring ways to express this," she notes, signaling her anticipation for translating natural rhythms into visual art.
Engaging with the Community
Staying connected with the artistic community is vital for MacKnight. She actively engages with what other artists are doing, attending events and supporting fellow creators. "Showing up is important to artists," she acknowledges, underlining the support system within the creative community.
Words of Wisdom
For emerging artists, MacKnight offers straightforward advice: "Making art is really hard work." She encourages persistence and dedication, highlighting that success in art comes from passion and practice. "You probably won't get rich in this field," she advises, "but if you feel compelled to do it, then do, otherwise it will consume you in the end."
Theresa MacKnight's story is a vivid chapter in New Brunswick's artistic anthology, showcasing how personal history, a connection to place, and a commitment to process can converge to create profoundly impactful art. View more of art by Theresa.
