Self-Portrait, Miya Turnbull
Title
Self-Portrait, Miya Turnbull
Subject
self-portrait
Date
2020
Description
3 Questions (Artist & Curator in Conversation)
Describe your working process as an artist?
I am constantly trying out new variations of masks and self-portraits, with my image as the constant. Because I am tethered to a central theme, I find it helpful and freeing, to branch out from there and try new things. Sometimes different materials inspire new ideas and when I get stuck, the only way through it is just by trying something new and seeing if that works for me. If something turns out badly, it can always be covered over. Playing around with different visuals is key and when I try something and it makes me cringe or gasp, then I know I'm onto something worth digging deeper into. I love combining elements of sculpture with performance, with digital art, new media and also with craft techniques.
What was your source of inspiration for your work in the exhibition? How did the act of art-making help you in reflecting on/responding to the pandemic as an artist?
Leading up to this particular mask, I was exploring variations of a previous mask that I had made that was cut in half, then rejoined together, intentionally misaligned. I started cutting up new masks in different patterns and experimenting with individual strips and it wasn't long before I realized that two masks cut up into strips could be 'woven' together, thanks to having some textile knowledge. The performance element came through simply by experimenting with the mask in front of the camera and capturing the results of it as it was coming apart. It seemed like the perfect metaphor for what I was feeling at the time. I've been very grateful to have art-making as a way to cope through anxiety. Keeping busy and making new art has definitely been helping me get through this time. And because working with masks right now is so timely and relevant, I know I can't just give up.
How do you think visual art helps us understand the complex world around us?
As an artist, I am attempting to make things that were previously hidden or unseen, into something visible and tangible. This can help us, myself included, to gain insight and perspective. For example, there are so many layers within the complex theme of identity and masks seem to be the perfect metaphor for representing this. Throughout history, masks have been a bridge to the spiritual world in many cultures because of their power to conceal, yet reveal so much about our inner world. It is a very exciting medium to be working with, while exploring that potential. The hope is that, even though I am making self-portraits, people will see themselves reflected in the ideas and relate to them.
Describe your working process as an artist?
I am constantly trying out new variations of masks and self-portraits, with my image as the constant. Because I am tethered to a central theme, I find it helpful and freeing, to branch out from there and try new things. Sometimes different materials inspire new ideas and when I get stuck, the only way through it is just by trying something new and seeing if that works for me. If something turns out badly, it can always be covered over. Playing around with different visuals is key and when I try something and it makes me cringe or gasp, then I know I'm onto something worth digging deeper into. I love combining elements of sculpture with performance, with digital art, new media and also with craft techniques.
What was your source of inspiration for your work in the exhibition? How did the act of art-making help you in reflecting on/responding to the pandemic as an artist?
Leading up to this particular mask, I was exploring variations of a previous mask that I had made that was cut in half, then rejoined together, intentionally misaligned. I started cutting up new masks in different patterns and experimenting with individual strips and it wasn't long before I realized that two masks cut up into strips could be 'woven' together, thanks to having some textile knowledge. The performance element came through simply by experimenting with the mask in front of the camera and capturing the results of it as it was coming apart. It seemed like the perfect metaphor for what I was feeling at the time. I've been very grateful to have art-making as a way to cope through anxiety. Keeping busy and making new art has definitely been helping me get through this time. And because working with masks right now is so timely and relevant, I know I can't just give up.
How do you think visual art helps us understand the complex world around us?
As an artist, I am attempting to make things that were previously hidden or unseen, into something visible and tangible. This can help us, myself included, to gain insight and perspective. For example, there are so many layers within the complex theme of identity and masks seem to be the perfect metaphor for representing this. Throughout history, masks have been a bridge to the spiritual world in many cultures because of their power to conceal, yet reveal so much about our inner world. It is a very exciting medium to be working with, while exploring that potential. The hope is that, even though I am making self-portraits, people will see themselves reflected in the ideas and relate to them.
Citation
“Self-Portrait, Miya Turnbull,” Exhibits At Acadia, accessed May 3, 2024, https://exhibitsatacadia.omeka.net/items/show/101.