JOHN MCLAUGHLIN

What are you currently working on?

I'm currently working on my 9 x 12 inch pencil drawings, some with collage elements. I'm also working on a large canvas that is being repainted. It's about 5 feet by 10 feet.

Has the format of your practice been impacted in the last few weeks? Are you using different mediums or sizes?

The format of my work is the same as ever.

Does the social distancing aspect of this period help you focus or has it changed the trajectory of your work?

In terms of the pandemic, it hasn't changed my life much. I'm a loner so the social distancing has been in practice for years.

Are there any apps or online tools that you find helpful in this time? (They don't need to be related to art making).

My web name is the Drawinghermit (Drawinghermit.com) . I like Instagram to see other artists work. I've met so many online that I communicate with on a regular basis.

How are you remaining connected to friends and family?

I’ve been keeping in touch with my family by texting and Facebook.

What do you do to separate your practice from the rest of the day? Have you set boundaries or is it permeable?

My work area is in the basement so I have access at any time. Sometimes an idea will hit me and I'll go down to work for 5 minutes on a piece. Sometimes for 5 hours. This is the way I've always worked.

What have you been using for inspiration from home (tv shows, movies, cooking, reading)?

My inspiration comes from music (free form jazz).

I also love to read. Three books I'm reading right now are, ‘Seven Brief Lessons on Physics’ and ‘Reality is not What it Seems’ both by Carlo Rovelli. Also ‘The Principles of Psychology’ by William James. I feel I understand about 25% of what they write but it’s 25% more than I knew before.