Daily Euphoria: In the Make

Image from interview with Hadley Nunes, originally published on In the Make.

In the Make is one of my favourite reads.  An online journal that features studio visits with west coast artists, it not only fuels my undying love for northern California but satisfies a fervent curiosity over how and where creative people work.  This is the down-to-earth, self-assured sister to The Selby, for art lovers.

Nikki Grattan with artist Bob Branaman, originally published on In the Make

Since 2011, friends Nikki Grattan and Klea McKenna have been posting weekly interviews and photographs from studio visits with artists working primarily in the San Francisco, Oakland and Los Angeles areas.

” We document these visits with the hope of revealing both the richness and the daily realities of creative work. Our aim is to raise interest in art practice, while simultaneously debunking the romantic myth of the artist. We recognize that creative work is real work, done by real, passionate people in all sorts of different spaces. We are not art critics, but rather deeply curious observers; looking for the ways that each artist’s aesthetic pervades their environment and reveals their perspective.”

Art by Jason Jagel, images originally published on In the Make

Art by Wendy MacNaughton, photos originally published on In the Make

I truly admire and appreciate the efforts of Nikki and Klea.  When I’m finished reading, I am always left energized and bolstered in my resolve to maintain some sort of creative practice in daily life.  I can’t wait to see what comes of their new project, Western Edge, which will see them road tripping from Tijuana, Mexico to Vancouver, Canada for more artists visits.  In the meantime,  here are some of my favourite interviews:

Wendy MacNaughton ‘s candor and humour are infectious.   I want to be her friend.

Alexandra Grant‘s over the top layers and line work mesmerize.  Great thoughts on the informative nature of  “day-jobs” and the best advice she ever got.

Leigh Wells ‘s divine and mysterious collage work.  It seems we both like to use the term “sweet spot”, so I love her even more.

I really dug this one with co-founder,  Nikki Grattan, on what it’s like to interview artists.  Not easy.

Image of Linda Geary originally published on In the Make