Meet Jody McGrath: Contemporary Painter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jody McGrath and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jody, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
I believe for centuries that art, and in particular paintings was the go to for humanity for information on events ranging from new kings to new horizons. Almost akin to the social media we now find ourselves surrounded, and to an extent shaped by. Of course there is the added worry that paintings and painters may at some stage be sidelined to the obsolete as digital media is giving access for anyone to paint with a button push and upload into their virtual gallery. Personally I feel everyone of my works contains not only thirty year’s of arriving at this stage of aesthetic prowess, but a fundamental link to the human condition that binds us all. I hope that through my works I expose the world we live in and gave a visual voice to not only myself but those souls that cannot. We love In a turbulent time globally when distance has become the norm. I paint to reach out through canvas in a unique way to all who may view it.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As of right now I’m working on a 36in x 48in canvas using acrylic and charcoal which is my main staple. I lean heavily towards incorporating animals of all shapes in sizes as the main protagonists. Their personification sets them in all types of scenes and landscapes, from the real to the imaginary. I believe my paintings set me apart as no two are ever alike though there remains a continuity that is most certainly mine. I’ve had shows where viewers believed it was a host of artists and not just I. There is a silent beauty to be able to participate in the emotions of other’s as the inspect your paintings. To say I’ve struggled would be an understatement. More so now than ever in world of social distance and social media. Vying to get my work seen and shown is momentous. I’m a painter who believes no amount of pixels can accommodate the bone and sinew I’ve poured onto canvas. I have been blessed that I’ve people who believe in both my work and myself. That famous people I’ve watched on the silver screen have bought my work. This is an incentive that I’m somehow doing something right. Being my own heaviest critic can develop into a chasm between you and your canvas. So I step back and review what my definition of success is. It’s a challenge to climb the above hurdle but I was born a painter so what else am I supposed to do! For me it’s not an obligation, it’s mandatory. I can seriously feel in my bones if I step aside from painting for any length of time. Even then I’m painting in my head habitually. I have been turned down from more galleries than I care to recall. I use to get incredibly down on myself and my works. This is not a think skinned industry and business. So one develops an inner immunity as I know I’ll paint on regardless wether I recieve a rejection or an acceptance. To retreat back to the essence of my paintings they are stories. Sometimes a tad dark but I’m always able to add slivers of light through color to try and tell my story, and in its telling I pray I reach some part of you, know or unknown. Therein lies the beauty of my works.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
There are so many amazing places to see stay and visit. I believe this entire city is a liking strolling through history and time. From the botanical to our aquarian friends, From Kyde Park to Southfork no matter where you take someone good food, smiles and people are never very far away.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Sadly art this moment in time my Mother is dying from cancer. These are not easy word’s to pen and no thank you will ever be vast enough to incorporate the passion and drive of my very first love and mentor. The lady in question has never discouraged me in pursuit of both my art and my artistic goals. I believe everyone of my works has the elements of love and truth, both of which where freely given to me by a lady who love the Mona Lisa

Website: www.jodymcgrath.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/CHRD4vQl7_P/?igshid=1mqbzvleg72h1
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jody-mc-grath-73690317
Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/jodymcartist
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JodyMcGrathArt/
Other: www.jodymcgrath.com would love your feedback. Post a review to our profile. https://g.page/www-jodymcgrath/review?gm

Image Credits
All images belong to me.