Resident Artist: Andrew McNamara

Andrew McNamara

If you haven’t heard, The Fort is a big place. There’s a large empty wing above one of our tenants, Aiden & Grace, with lovely natural light. After meeting artist Andrew McNamara, we had an idea: Let’s use the space for a short-term artist residency.

Andrew said Yes.

The catch? That large empty wing has no air conditioning, and summer was in full swing. And it’s not a finished space. But it’s a place where an artist can focus and howl (even out loud) into the precious act of making art. So Andrew set up—and finished two paintings.

Below is our conversation with Andrew—scroll down for photos and more information.

Tell us about you and your art... 
I just moved to Columbus after graduating from Ohio University with my MFA in Painting + Drawing this past Spring. I have shown in exhibitions from New York to California, and I am very excited to explore Columbus and integrate myself within it’s many vibrant communities.

I use my work to highlight and exemplify the internal and the mundane. I believe that the fleeting moments we experience daily are the gaps between the letters of the words that make up our personal histories. I seek to give these moments validation and address them intentionally and beautifully.

How did you hear about the Fort?
I first heard about the Fort when a colleague of mine told me about the Columbus Printed Arts Center which operates here. 

What was it about the Fort that interested you in creating here?
The Fort exudes creativity, history, and charm. It is irresistible to see it, or even hear about it, and not want to be here making. It has always been a space for makers to realize their visions, and it's electrifying to know that I get to add to that history. The natural lighting is also any artist's dream!

Did the environment contribute directly to what you created? if so, how?
I can say with confidence that it did. The current piece I have been working on is about internal reflection and isolation, and being mostly secluded to a solitary part of the building for the duration of my time here helped me focus on those feelings. 

How can we make the residency better?
I think one improvement could be established lighting, so that it would be easier to work later into the day and give the option to come in at night. 

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How can people find you?
I am most active on instagram @andrewmcnamaraart, my website is www.andrewmcnamaraart.com, and I can be reached by email at andrewmcnamara.art@gmail.com

I have work in an upcoming show at the Dairy Barn Arts Center in Athens, OH called Paint | Print | Photo. I am also going to be involved in a developing series of exhibitions titled "No Masterpieces," which will be a collaborative project that spans six months and is curated by Artist Ashley Sexton.