A Nice Conversation with Sheena McCorquodale

Courtesy of artist

Sheena McCorquodale is a visual artist based in Qualicum Beach, British Columbia. Sheena's past work in the arts has been as a graphic designer all her adult life in design, computer graphics, hand-painted designs, tv set graphics, theatre set and prop design, and typography. She has also explored her creativity with drawing, painting, and sculpture. She has recently discovered her favorite medium, sculpting with chicken wire, and recently won First Place Winner in the Canadian Federation of Artists 2022 Online Showcase – Sculpture. Sheena has been commissioned across Canada and the United States for her artistic talents in public and private collections.

I had the pleasure of asking Sheena how math plays a crucial role in developing her artwork, who are some of her artistic influences, and so much more.

UZOMAH: Where do you draw inspiration from when creating your artwork?

SHEENA: I pull from old memories, the feeling of the body in motion, from ballet as a child, synchronized swimming in my teens, and riding and swimming with horses.  I am drawn to images of dancers. 

“Fairy”

U: What traits do you think all artists should have in finding their artistic statement and success?

S:  Developing trust in your own judgment and a lack of interest in the criticisms of others.

“Surfacing”

U: How does math play a crucial role in developing your artwork?

S:   My initial drawings are made to scale to help me to maintain proportions.

“Isadora”

U: Can you name some of your artistic influences?

S:   Isadora Duncan, mother of modern dance Classical figurative sculptors & painters like Cellini, Botticelli, and Donatello. Years of Life Drawing sessions.

“Isabella”

U: How do you use your surroundings to make an outdoor sculpture stand out? 

S:  I paint my sculpture white to make them stand out from their surroundings. I occasionally add a small amount of colour, usually the blue of the sea, at the herring run.

“Hope”

U: What is one tool you can not live without when creating artwork?

S:  Imagination and the willingness to explore the medium.

“Persephone”

U: Can you explain what a potential student will get from one of your workshops?

S:  I teach the basic principles of construction and an appreciation for the medium, learning the inherent strengths and weaknesses in the application of every piece.

U: What keeps your creative process active?

S:  The need and love of the creative process that sparks the mind and pushes the boundaries.

For more information about Sheena’s artwork, please visit her site, and give her a follow on Instagram.