Maeve Daley-Gibson

Interviewed by Eva Ramirez

Grade

12

Medium

Metal Arts, Oil

Classes Taken at Harriton

Metals 1, Studio Art 1, Metals 3, Art 2H, AP 2-D Art and Design

Interview

Art Focused Questions:

Can you briefly introduce yourself as an artist or person in general?

My name is Maeve Daley-Gibson, I really like art. I started painting over COVID, using acrylics and just watching videos. And I really wanted to learn how to paint a portrait. That was, like, my goal. And I made so many really ugly ones, but I just thought it was funny, so I kept going. And then I did that a lot just on the weekends while I was doing metal arts at school. And then my junior year, I wanted to switch to taking an actual 2-D class. So then I switched and I really, really love painting. And I don't draw as much, but I like drawing too.

Is painting your favorite media?

Yes, for sure. I love oil paint.

Do you particularly like the style of oil paint?

Yes, I love it. I feel like for me, it's easier to use because I have a hard time blending acrylic paint. But since oil paint stays wet, it's easier to blend. And I really like the texture. I just think it's really cool. I love oils.

Do you do a lot of planning beforehand?

Well, for AP, we have to come up with our ideas, but honestly not really. Like, I'll do a rough sketch and then just kind of, especially when I'm painting, I'll just kind of use a little bit of paint to sketch it out and then just go from there. So not really so much, but maybe I should work on it.

What do you think are your strengths and weaknesses as an artist?

My strength and weakness is like almost the same thing. Like, I really love trying to, like, copy from photos. And, I think I'm pretty good at it. I like creating and picking out important details from photos and, like, using that in my work. But also, I feel like that's a weakness because sometimes I have a hard time going without a photo. So yeah. Pros and cons.

Who are you favorite visual artists? Do you take inspiration from their work?

My favorite visual artist? I don't know. I really love, like, hyper realism, and I like Rembrandt a lot. I think he's really cool. I feel like I get inspiration from a lot of things. It kinda depends on, like, what the subject matter is. But, I definitely really appreciate his style.

Is your artwork centered around a theme? How do you get your ideas?

For AP, yes. Because I've been doing my paints on different visualizations of the afterlife. But, otherwise, no. Not really. I use Pinterest a lot and photos that I like.

Is your art inspired at all by personal experiences>

Definitely in AP, because this year, I was interviewing different people about how they imagine the afterlife. So, my art was really informed by the people around me and also my ideas. As well as my relationships with other people. So yes.

When someone sees your art, what message do you want them to take away from it ?

I hope that I'm able to convey emotion. Like, I did this painting of me and my sisters, and I hope that you can tell that we have a really good relationship based on body language and color and stuff like that.

How do you plan to continue your art and incorporate it into your life in the future?

Well, in college, I definitely wanna continue painting and taking art classes. And I hope that I just keep on honing my skills and, you know, as a hobby, just keeping on the side.

What advice do you have for students who may relate to your experiences as an artist?

I guess try not to be hard on yourself. And if you make a bad piece, like, that's okay. And just keep trying because it's just all about practice. It can be really disheartening, I guess, when you start off and it doesn't look how you want it to. But if you keep going, you'll get there.

What clubs or electives have you partaken in at Harriton?

I've done I play volleyball, I dive, and I do track. So that has been definitely a big time commitment, and also I'm a peer mentor.

Speed Round:

What is your favorite food?

Sushi

Favorite drink/coffee/tea?

Water, I love water

Favorite restaurant/ dining location/fast food chain?

El Vez. It’s a Mexican restaurant in Philly, and it just reminds me of my family because we do special events there.