Student Conversation - Eileen Mooney

"I class myself as an artist teacher. Everything I learn and do in the studio influences what I do in the classroom."

On storytelling:

I’ve done a lot of research on different animals and compared their traits to those of humans. To back this up I included kids in the process. The result of this are pieces made that can communicate these different stories. I take elements from these projections and develop them into forms. I then add symbols of interest onto them, add texture and ultimately tell a new story.

On narrative:

I also work on my scrolls, mixing their perceived narrative with my understanding of them. By combining the two I got a more interesting amalgamation.

On education:

I’ve always been drawn to education so that I can give back some of what I’ve learned. Empathy and understanding the needs of kids is really important and how I can bring art into this. The first year experience was really valuable, just having the influence of people with other art and design interests.

On ideas:

I prefer to stretch everything in 3D, that’s where my ideas always come from. A lot of my research starts with looking at exhibitions then progresses further in the library through historical references as well as collecting and playing with found objects.

          

On evolution:

My ideas evolve and become more unexpected through texture and the element of play. I start making my ceramic pieces and then breaking them by throwing them down the stairs or out of the window. This way when I reassemble them I get different textures and am able to tell different stories with them.

On teaching:

I class myself as an artist teacher. Everything I learn and do in the studio influences what I do in the classroom.