DOWNTIME w/ Diane Meyer

1) LOCATION?

Los Angeles, CA 🇺🇸

2) YEARS COLLAGING?

I have been exploring mixed media by embroidering photographs since 2011.

3) WHAT DO YOU LOVE AND DISLIKE ABOUT COLLAGE??

I love the high level of experimentation and the notion of repurposing and placing images in new contexts. I also love the juxtaposition of materials and texture and the opportunity to experiment with the formal, design elements of the work. I don’t really dislike anything about collage per se, but sometimes I feel like it turns me into a bit of a pack rat as it becomes hard to get rid of things in case I want to use it in a future project.

4) BIGGEST INFLUENCES?

I remember being in college and seeing an exhibition by Elaine Reichek at MoMA which was very inspiring to me. Although it was not photographically based, it was the first time I saw the use of embroidery in contemporary art. While embroidery was something that I had always enjoyed, I hadn’t really considered it as a medium that could be used in the context. I am very inspired by textile design in general.

I love going to decorative arts museums and looking at wallpaper and carpet design. Other artists who have inspired me, although not visually evident in my work, include Fischli and Weiss, Urs Fischer, Sophie Calle, Maurizio Cattelon, Christian Marclay, Thomas Demand and Gerhard Richter.

5) ANALOG VS DIGITAL, PROS & CONS?

In terms of my working process, I definitely prefer analog and working with my hands. I really appreciate the sense of chance and discovery that happens with analog and the unexpected surprises along the way. With digital approaches to art making, everything can be changed pixel by pixel and can be made to look perfect which I find much less exciting.

I actually started embroidering photographs after completing a long-term photographic project that was printed digitally. Looking at my work on a screen and not having the haptic and process-based experience of using my hands caused me to feel very alienated and isolated from my work.

6) HOW DO YOU SPEND YOUR DOWNTIME?

Here in Los Angeles, I love finding a neighbourhood I haven’t been to in while and walking around. I also love travel in general and find it really inspiring when making new work.

7) THREE TIPS FOR SOMEONE STARTING OUT IN COLLAGE?

I would suggest working constantly and experimenting freely, finding a community of like-minded artists to share your ideas with, visit as many museums and galleries as possible, and don’t get discouraged.

8) WHERE DO YOU SEE YOUR ART PRACTICE IN 5-10 YEARS’ TIME?

This is an interesting question. In some ways, I know I will keep working on my practice, but it’s kind of fun not to know at this point exactly what I will be doing. I have been getting more and more interested in textiles and there are some techniques I am hoping to learn in the coming years that I would like to experiment with.

9) UP AND COMING SHOWS OR PROJECTS WE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT?

I currently have several pieces from two different series in a group exhibition, “Connective Threads” at the Palos Verdes Art Center in California. Additionally, I have work on a billboard in Los Angeles as part of a group exhibition, “We the People” sponsored by Billboard Creative which features 30 billboards by 30 artists across the city. Lastly, I will be showing two pieces in the Arte Laguna Prize Exhibition in Venice, Italy.

See more 👀
Gram: @dianemeyerstudio
Web: dianemeyer.net