Chris Mackie – ARTIST

Chris Mackie & Bruce
acrylic on canvas

Interview with artist Chris Mackie —

“Lennon”
acrylic on stainless steel

1. Who are you and what do you do?
In no particular order…..Chris Mackie, Son, brother, husband, father, adventurer, painter, sculptor, former British Paratrooper, modern day samurai, daredevil and all-round good bloke!

2. Why art?
Why art? It was born into me. I had no choice but to create.

“Out of the Storm”
pastel

“Don’t Leave Me Here”
pastel

3. What is your earliest memory of wanting to be an artist?
When I just began to walk. After eating chocolate bar that my Mum gave me I used the leftovers that had melted in my hands to create a masterpiece on the living room wall.

“Jimmie”
stainless steel over wood

“Miles Davis”
White crayon on black Rives BFK paper

4. What are your favorite subject(s) and media?
Creating images and sculptures of faces. I go through fazes to which medium I use. One day it could be steel, the next day could be acrylic, pastel, pen, watercolor or whatever is laying around.

5. How do you work and approach your subject?
Usually I just get straight into the piece. It’s very rare that I take time making sketches. I suppose having a mental vision would be my version of a sketch.

“Waiting in Paradise”
pastel

“Picasso”
pen & ink & watercolor

6. What are your favorite art works, artists?
Artists who keep it simple such as Joan Miró, Alexander Calder. Kids art is my favorite. I love their innocence of expression, a gift most people tend to lose as they age and become “taught.” My boys artworks are the best! I have a bunch of them framed and hanging in my house.

7. What are the best responses you have had to your work?
Stunning! If you can stun someone with your art, you’ve done your job. That would be my favorite emotional response.

Finished sculpture
marine grade stainless steel

“The Long Winding Path”
pastel

8. What do you like about your work?
I suppose the simplicity of it, it’s directness.

“Bullitt”
acrylic on stainless steel

9. What advice would you give to other artists?
• Unless you want to teach, don’t waste your money on art school! True artists are driven to create and will learn most of all by doing. Trust yourself, have faith in yourself. Don’t listen to the doubters. They have no business telling you things can’t be done.
• Be daring and break some rules!
• Try all mediums… Find out which ones you like working with. You will create your best art working with a medium that you enjoy the most.
• Don’t be afraid to fail or you will never push yourself!
• Work your ass off and be prolific!! No pain, no gain my friends! You can’t climb the ladder of success sitting on your arse.
• OK….Now go make something!!!

“Einstein”
stainless steel over acrylic on wood

10. Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years?
5 to 10 years older with a bigger studio and better art.

Chris Mackie

LINKS —

 
Fine Art America:  http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/chris-mackie.html
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/chris.mackieartist
Instagram:  http://ink361.com/app/users/ig-335390478/photos
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/CKMackie