introducing...Marney McDiarmid
Where do you currently live?
Kingston, Ontario
Tell us the best thing about that city.
The people, hands down. I've been lucky enough to have done some travelling, and when I find myself at some stunning location I sometimes ask myself, "Why the heck do I live in Kingston?". The world is a big place after all. But then I think of all these creative, generous faces at home, and can't imagine living anywhere else. The fact that I can walk everywhere I need to go, live near water, and am a 10 minute drive to the woods is also all pretty fabulous.
If you didn’t live there you’d love to …..
move every couple of years, exploring different parts of the world.
Outside of ceramic art what other types of art/design/fashion etc are you drawn to and does it influence your work?
Last year I went to a Jack Bush exhibit in Ottawa that really stuck with me. I loved the energy behind the paintings and the dramatic colour. So lately I've been exploring bright underglazes and am interested in the idea of colour as visceral effect.
If you couldn’t be an artist next best job would be:
I worked as an HIV/AIDS educator for five years and that was pretty great. I'd happily go back to that.
What’s the most ridiculous thing you’ve done in the name of art?
Breaking into an abandoned lot in the pouring rain, dressed as an owl, in order to stilt for local a music video shoot.
No cheating what’s the book beside your bed?
Speak by Louisa Hall
If you could exhibit your work alongside any artist, alive or dead who would you want to show with?
A sound installation by Janet Cardiff
Name someone everyone should follow on instragram:
Best tip you’ve ever been given on how to be an artist:
Pose the question "what if"?
Favourite thing to listen to in the studio:
So many podcasts! I don't have enough time to read anymore so podcasts are now my goto. A few of my faves are: Death, Sex and Money; Radio lab; This American Life; State of the Re:Union; Song Exploder; Meet the Composer; 99% Invisible; All Songs Considered; RadioLab
Creative blocks? How do you fix them?
Go for a run in the woods, often many runs in the woods.
Do you have a super power? If yes what?
No one leaves my house hungry. Does that count?
One goal, art related or otherwise, that you want to accomplish before you die?
Canoeing the Nahanni River.
Visit Marney's profile page for more!