INTERVIEW: Shaune McCarthy | Ogunquit Art Association (OAA) Showcase Artist

Shaune McCarthy is an Ogunquit Art Association member-artist (Painter) and one of our 6 Showcase Artists at Barn Gallery for the 2024 Season.

Shaune McCarthy’s Showcase at Barn Gallery will run from August 7th – September 7th, 2024 with an Opening Reception on Saturday, August 17th (from 4PM – 7:30PM) and a Gallery Talk (along with Painter, Shiao-Ping Wang) on Thursday, August 22nd (at 6PM).

Learn more about the Barn Gallery 2024 Schedule: barngallery.org/2024-season

How long have you been a member of the OAA? And what do you like best about it?

I’ve been an active member of OAA for 3 years, inactive member for 10 years. It’s a wonderful opportunity and so great to meet fellow artists at The Barn Gallery. I love it. The location, in the middle of Ogunquit, Maine, is wonderful. Most importantly, the wide open space for paintings and sculpture is phenomenal..

Does your showcase have a title?

The name of our showcase, Shiao Ping Wang and Shaune McCarthy, is CROSSINGS.

What is your concept for the showcase?

The two paintings I have chosen to represent my work in the showcase, Tangier and Run To Red, are both paintings which began from a chance pour of paint. My spontaneous technique is the trigger or concept for this showcase of paintings. I use my imagination to complete a different concept for each work. I don’t wish to be tied to a series in the studio, but I feel my process, which often involves repeated layers of paint with spatula drawings for texture, does repeat themes, shapes and stories.

Let’s talk, for a moment, about your materials. Do you prefer a particular material or presentation?

Having worked with figure sculpture in clay for many years, it’s grand to be on the wall. I love the spontaneity of acrylic paint and the layering possibilities. I have painted on wood panels a lot, to support rough spatula work and thick texture. Recently I paint on canvas as my work is more painterly. My paintings look best presented with a thin frame. I use a mitre saw and then hammer them on.

Tell us about how this showcase moves your art journey forward.

This Showcase moves my art journey forward because it is a thrill to see my work up at The Barn Gallery! Indeed, it is a beautiful space and I am lucky to have this opportunity.

I am especially humbled to be paired with the amazing artist Shiao Ping Wang. We had our studios close to each other for many years at the Salmon Falls Mill in Rollinsford, NH. Look carefully and you may see some Crossovers with her work and mine!

My paintings and sculptures are a consequence of experimentation, spontaneity, imagination, play, and of course hard work.

I think being an artist means trusting your instincts and allowing your imagination to show you the path into the unknown. That’s where I want to be with my art. I want to make something no one, not even me, has seen before.

When I begin a painting I usually have very little idea where I’ll be going with it. I find that if I attempt to plan a painting or even sketch an idea beforehand I get bored and it never appears like the plan anyway. I endeavor to stay alert to any story which unfolds before my eyes and especially open to those happy accidents which happen if you’re experimenting and staying free.

LEARN MORE: shaunemccarthy.com