Where are they now?

My interview with Erin McKenna, 2012 Grand Award Winner, Columbus College of Art and Design Graduate

θ = 0°, θ = 90° BY ERIN MCKENNA

What have you been up to since winning the Art Awards and graduating from CCAD?

I started a studio warehouse space, went to two residencies,

traveled in Europe alone for 3 weeks, have worked as a preparator at

Canzani Gallery and Wexner Center, and continue my own personal

practice.

What are your main influences in your art?

Hot tubs, the color pink, rocks, Beyonce, superstitions, and current events.

Can you give our young artists some tips on how to succeed as a working artist?

"TRY AGAIN, FAIL AGAIN, FAIL BETTER." This is a Samuel Beckett quote,

and I think of it in the most positive way.  It allows you to make bad

work, which is so necessary in order to make good work.  Fail better,

but also fail harder, because this means you have really put yourself

out there.

How did your education prepare you for, "the real world?"

Academia will only prep you for maybe 10% of the "real world."  Get a

credit card, understand how car insurance works, learn to cook, be the

designated driver for your friend on their birthday.

Do you have any other words of wisdom, stories or helpful tips?

- Do something that makes you nervous or uncomfortable as often as you

can.  Not just within your practice, but life in general.  Go on road

trip alone, do stand up comedy if it terrifies you, or move across the

country.

- Be nice to everyone, always.  Always, always, always, because it is

your connections with people that will get you the farthest in life.

Not just the owner of a gallery you like, but the gas station

attendant, too.

- Go to as many events as you can - art events, birthday parties,

screenings, performances, protests, or picnics.

- Look a person in the eye when you "cheers" with them.

- Print off the letter from Sol LeWitt to Eva Hesse and post in your

studio forever. When you need a push, read it.

Be sure to check out Erin's website: http://cargocollective.com/erinmckenna